tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89372698218167101142017-08-01T04:55:06.802-06:00Hot Commodity Home DecorCreative crafting to keep me from going crazy!Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-57959410680035641192014-10-29T15:54:00.000-06:002014-10-29T15:54:38.795-06:00Little SyllablesI recently realized that most of my blog post ideas these days are book recommendations and reviews, so I decided to start a separate blog dedicated entirely to literature. While I get this new blog up and running, Hot Commodity might be a little neglected. But I hope you'll hop over and check out my new literary blog <a href="http://littlesyllables.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Syllables</a> and follow along.Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-63356585418333322122014-10-21T13:44:00.001-06:002014-10-21T13:44:32.546-06:00Easy & Versatile DIY Holiday DecorMy family has a lot of Halloween decorations. We also have a lot of Christmas decorations. But we don't have any Thanksgiving decorations. I have always loved Thanksgiving, mainly because my birthday is generally the same week as the holiday, but also because I love food and family.<br /><br />So I felt it was high time that I remedied this "no Thanksgiving decor" problem. I found my inspiration via Pinterest (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4081455887708183/" target="_blank">pin found here</a>) from a pin without a link or tutorial. Obviously, this was not a complex project and I knew I could figure it out myself. I believe the original version is done with vinyl lettering, but I used paint. Here is my version of this project:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EesbB43hI18/VEa03H96seI/AAAAAAAACVU/OeOI8Jfj9pw/s1600/Give%2BThanks%2BBlocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EesbB43hI18/VEa03H96seI/AAAAAAAACVU/OeOI8Jfj9pw/s1600/Give%2BThanks%2BBlocks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uVLFri1Ew/VEa03Plk89I/AAAAAAAACVQ/BWe7gqTmAH4/s1600/Jingle%2BBells%2BBlocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uVLFri1Ew/VEa03Plk89I/AAAAAAAACVQ/BWe7gqTmAH4/s1600/Jingle%2BBells%2BBlocks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />To create these reversible blocks, I purchased two bags of wood pieces from Hobby Lobby. If you have the tools handy, you could make this using a 2 x 4 cut to various lengths for much less than I paid. I chose wooden squares in three different sizes for my letters. I measured the blocks and laid out my text in Illustrator first, so that I could choose my fonts and see how it would look to scale.<br /><br />I painted all my blocks using craft paint in a variety of colors. This required several coats of paint, especially on the lighter colors. This was the most time-consuming part of the project -- waiting for the paint to dry between coats.<br /><br />For the larger letters, I created a stencil. I printed out each letter, then cut them out. I laid the paper that I cut the letter from on top of the block, then used a sponge paint brush to dab the paint on unevenly.<br /><br />For the longer block with smaller letters ("Give" and "Bells"), I laid the printed word on top of the block and, using a ball-point pen, traced around the letters, indenting into the wood below. Once the outline is indented on the wood, I used a small paint brush to fill in the letters.Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-1172663230224330222014-09-23T07:30:00.000-06:002014-09-23T07:30:00.020-06:00What I Read This Month (& Beyond)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though I have been slacking on blog posts, I have not been slacking on my reading. Here are a handful of reviews of the books I have read over the last six weeks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI1oYAVEj9M/VCB41wMYOoI/AAAAAAAACTY/NTTI-u0-sko/s1600/Book%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DI1oYAVEj9M/VCB41wMYOoI/AAAAAAAACTY/NTTI-u0-sko/s1600/Book%2BCollage.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Looking for Me</i> by Beth Hoffman</b><br /><br />Since I enjoyed reading Hoffman's first novel, <i>Saving CeeCee Honeycutt</i>, this was a natural addition to my reading list. I also enjoyed this novel. Perhaps because the protagonist in this one is an adult, this seems like more of a grown-up book. I love some of the themes this book explores, including dealing with aging parents, learning to let go, and recovering from tragedy. This is a great story of family, loss, self-discovery, and love.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes!<br /><br /><b><i>The Road</i> by Cormac McCarthy</b><br /><br />It could be that I did not know exactly what I was getting myself into, but I found <i>The Road</i> to be a difficult read. I generally like dystopian settings, but <i>The Road</i> feels so terribly hopeless throughout. Plus, the two main characters are a small boy and his father, struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. I think the mother in me found this too much to swallow. The book is well-written and heart-wrenching. I finished it because I had to know how it would end, but I did not enjoy it.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Hesitantly.<br /><br /><b><i>The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Unseen Guest</i> by MaryRose Wood</b><br /><br />This is the third installment in <i>The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place</i> series and it was a lot of fun to read. These are children's books, but they are intelligently written. The premise is ridiculous and the plot is even more ridiculous, which makes these books a pleasure to read. For this series, you really do need to start at the beginning of the series to understand what is going on.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes, to those who like reading juvenile fiction.<br /><br /><b><i>The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag</i> by Alan Bradley</b><br /><br />The second children's book on the list, this is also part of a series. The "Flavia de Luce Mysteries" are fun, clean mystery novels with a strong female protagonist. Flavia is a smart and capable girl who always seems to be a step ahead of the adults around her. These would be great reads for older girls and teens, as well as adults like me who love well-written juvenile fiction.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes!<br /><br /><b><i>Rules of Civility</i> by Amor Towles</b><br /><br />This is a book that I first heard of from <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/" target="_blank">The Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>. This is a wonderful blog that is full of reading recommendations. <i>Rules of Civility</i> is a smart and surprising read about a group of friends in New York, circa 1938. It is a great read about social hierarchy, morality, redemption, but most of all, self-discovery.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes!<br /><br /><b><i>The Darkening Field</i> by William Ryan</b><br /><br />Another installment in a series, this is a mystery/thriller set in 1930's Russia. The protagonist is a detective, forced to walk a fine line between solving a mystery, protecting political leaders, and protecting himself. Some of the political subplot was over my head (as I'm not terribly familiar with the political climate of 1930's Russia), but it is not essential to understanding or enjoying the story. Like most adult detective novels, these do contain a fair amount of violence.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Probably.<br /><br /><b><i>The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry</i> by Gabrielle Zevin</b><br /><b><br /></b>Another recommendation from <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/" target="_blank">The Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>, this was a surprising and heart-warming story. The book follows a small-town bookseller as he works through the grief of his wife's sudden death and the events that follow. This is a wonderful book about love and loss, marriage, parenthood, and friendship.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes!<br /><br />Have you read anything interesting lately? I'm always looking for recommendations to add to my ever-growing "to read" list, so leave a comment. Come and be my friend on Goodreads by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5072098-krissy" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-88821438384216752492014-09-05T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-05T12:40:37.732-06:00The Emperor's New Clothes CraftAs mentioned in my last post, I am in charge of "Fairy Tale Friday" in my son's first grade class today. For this activity, I was told to choose a fairy tale to read to the class, then come up with a craft project for the kids to do to help them re-tell the story. Here is what I came up with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9RFtNmGero/VAjN77mQGUI/AAAAAAAACSE/2iM_gNC1xNw/s1600/Craft%2BTitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9RFtNmGero/VAjN77mQGUI/AAAAAAAACSE/2iM_gNC1xNw/s1600/Craft%2BTitle.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />I found a basic boy paper doll template online through a Google search. I printed him out the size I wanted, placed a sheet of tracing paper on top, and traced around where his shirt and pants would go. I scanned the tracing and printed many copies (enough for each kid in the class to have 2) on card stock. After cutting out all the paper clothes, I gave my fingers a rest for a while.<br /><br />Then, I started cutting clothing shapes out of fabric scraps. I used every type and print of fabric I had on hand so that the kids would have plenty of variety. I traced shirts and pants, then cut them in half so the kids can mix-and-match their patterns. Then, my prep work was done!<br /><br />For the actual craft, the kids will be able to choose their fabrics to create outfits for the Emperor. This is why I used card stock clothing as well, so the Emperor can have a change of clothes. The kids will glue the fabric onto the card stock shapes so that as they re-tell the story, they can change the Emperor's clothes (or leave them off as the story requires).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SIG60W9yyg/VAjjNHT7YiI/AAAAAAAACSQ/_JZ80-tLfpw/s1600/Samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SIG60W9yyg/VAjjNHT7YiI/AAAAAAAACSQ/_JZ80-tLfpw/s1600/Samples.jpg" height="378" width="400" /></a></div><br />You could also use clear plastic to create an "invisible" outfit, but I didn't have any on hand, so I skipped that part.<br /><br />{Linked on <a href="http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/family-fun-friday-inspiring-posts-for-fall/" target="_blank">Happy and Blessed Home</a>, <a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/2014/09/fancy-this-fridays-192/" target="_blank">Truly Lovely Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com/2014/09/no-rules-weekend-blog-party-with-linky.html" target="_blank">Sincerely Paula</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/friday-flash-blog-84/" target="_blank">The Jenny Evolution</a>, <a href="http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/2014/09/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy.html" target="_blank">Love Bakes Good Cakes</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/creativity-unleashed-link-party-8/" target="_blank">One Project Closer</a>}Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-4847277362050424902014-09-03T14:02:00.001-06:002014-09-03T14:02:32.132-06:00What I'm Working on WednesdayIt seems I've taken a bit of a blogging break -- quite unintentionally. I have been keeping quite busy, but not finishing anything worth blogging about! Today, I have several projects in progress:<br /><br /><b>Embroidery</b><br /><b><br /></b>I'm currently working on some custom embroidery for a Christmas stocking order for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotCommodityHome" target="_blank">my shop</a>. I do all my embroidery by hand, so it is time consuming, but I love the way it turns out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqV4ik8rmh0/VAdxRGf7nfI/AAAAAAAACRQ/_NmKze8h0qA/s1600/Embroidery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqV4ik8rmh0/VAdxRGf7nfI/AAAAAAAACRQ/_NmKze8h0qA/s1600/Embroidery.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Fairy Tale Craft</b><br /><b><br /></b>I am in charge of this week's Fairy Tale Friday in my son's first grade class. I'm doing <i>The Emperor's New Clothes </i>and I'm cutting all the pieces they'll need to create some new outfits for the Emperor. I'm planning a more detailed post about this in the near future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWdooqjbnBI/VAdx_aIkoYI/AAAAAAAACRY/zpfiCrwjcFc/s1600/Emperor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWdooqjbnBI/VAdx_aIkoYI/AAAAAAAACRY/zpfiCrwjcFc/s1600/Emperor.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Days for Girls</b><br /><b><br /></b>In preparation for my upcoming Days for Girls Sewing Day, I am cutting as many pieces as I can. If you're interested in finding out more about my Sewing Day, check out <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/days-for-girls-international-group.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. If you want to know more about Days for Girls, check out <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/" target="_blank">their website</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NutrOHDfQXU/VAdyhhx2ZDI/AAAAAAAACRg/V_Nt0KjM-OM/s1600/Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NutrOHDfQXU/VAdyhhx2ZDI/AAAAAAAACRg/V_Nt0KjM-OM/s1600/Days.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Reading</b><br /><b><br /></b>And of course, I'm always reading whenever I find (or make) a spare moment. I just finished up <i>The Darkening Field</i> by William Ryan. This week's selection is <i>Rules of Civility</i> by Amor Towles. Another book review post will be coming next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Df_zbvicp8/VAdzPti3ttI/AAAAAAAACRs/KOY4F3Tur00/s1600/The%2BDarkening%2BField.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Df_zbvicp8/VAdzPti3ttI/AAAAAAAACRs/KOY4F3Tur00/s1600/The%2BDarkening%2BField.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div><br />What are you working on this week?Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-88917882962368010302014-08-21T07:30:00.000-06:002014-08-21T07:30:00.036-06:00Free Printable Pinewood Derby AwardsOur Cub Scout Pack's Pinewood Derby is coming up next month and in preparation, I designed some printable award certificates! I designed two sets of certificates (12 certificates per set), so there are 24 different awards you can use. Since I put the year on them, I made a 2014 set and a 2015 set.<br /><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Click the image to access the PDF files.)</i></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByfMB_E7m23mQ2lKaUtNc3hHUDg/edit?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXiItwLjcxQ/U_OIcAu88RI/AAAAAAAACQI/FNrwnwKUhPw/s1600/Set%2B1%2BTitle%2B2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Includes Best Paint Job, People's Choice, Best Use of Color, and more!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByfMB_E7m23mZi1zY1E1VXlZUWc/edit?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6mjoSsRz44/U_OIcP7GXDI/AAAAAAAACQE/l3LVrxWNHXE/s1600/Set%2B2%2BTitle%2B2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Includes Funniest Car, Best of the Den, Most Patriotic, and more!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByfMB_E7m23mV3NHYm84Mk5XRWM/edit?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ER0kp4-dJiw/U_OIhxybQYI/AAAAAAAACQU/famW2Dt6meQ/s1600/Set%2B1%2BTitle%2B2015.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Identical to Set 1 except for the year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByfMB_E7m23mOEJiYV9ScXJJWGc/edit?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIniRovWXL0/U_OIiEkM-3I/AAAAAAAACQY/8-74nOsi2WA/s1600/Set%2B2%2BTitle%2B2015.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Identical to Set 2 except for the year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-25769340903818544512014-08-18T10:02:00.001-06:002014-08-18T10:02:48.443-06:00Days for Girls International - Group Sewing Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQW1ZpES-ak/U4X0WoDouqI/AAAAAAAAB54/_oLUczYBvVc/s1600/SOUTH%2BJORDAN%2BUT%2BRGB%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQW1ZpES-ak/U4X0WoDouqI/AAAAAAAAB54/_oLUczYBvVc/s1600/SOUTH%2BJORDAN%2BUT%2BRGB%2Bweb.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></div>If you or someone you know live near South Jordan, UT, you are invited to join my Group Sewing Day for <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/" target="_blank">Days for Girls International</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 27!<br /><br />The details are below. Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/419971768140505" target="_blank">event page on Facebook</a> for updates and to RSVP.<br /><br />Everyone is welcome, regardless of sewing ability. However, those with sewing skill are especially needed, along with sewing machines.<br /><br /><br />I'm also seeking donations of fabric and gift cards to provide materials for this event. Please help spread the word by tweeting or pinning the image below!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrdq3JzciPo/U9kwLORqaYI/AAAAAAAACNM/Gq-rDMrPfy0/s1600/Sewing%2BDay%2BFlyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrdq3JzciPo/U9kwLORqaYI/AAAAAAAACNM/Gq-rDMrPfy0/s1600/Sewing%2BDay%2BFlyer.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div><br />Days for Girls is a wonderful organization dedicated to providing reusable feminine hygiene kits to girls and women in developing countries throughout the world. Visit <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/" target="_blank">their website</a> for more information and to see what a huge difference this organization is making.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Through sustainable feminine hygiene solutions, Days for Girls is restoring opportunity to girls who have grown up believing there is something embarrassing or taboo about menstruation. DfG reverses these cycles of belief through products and education that remind girls and women they are beautiful, powerful, and worthy of care." <span style="font-size: x-small;">-<i>Days For Girls</i></span></blockquote>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-9705692016117292982014-08-14T13:01:00.000-06:002014-08-18T09:48:23.385-06:00Throwback Thursday - Altered Collage Frames<i>This post originally appeared on <a href="http://davekristen.blogspot.com/2011/07/redecorating.html" target="_blank">my family blog</a> (back when my hubby and I blogged about our lives regularly). That means I did this project back in 2011. It is still one of my all-time favorite things that I have done in my house. Enjoy!</i><br /><i><br /></i>Before Violet was born, we rearranged the house to make space for her upstairs. That meant rearranging the living room, which meant rethinking our wall decor once again. We had this collage frame hanging on the kitchen wall for a while:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9oCdVbdjlY/U-0G6z07IKI/AAAAAAAACPY/cjsSHrGs4BQ/s1600/Frame%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9oCdVbdjlY/U-0G6z07IKI/AAAAAAAACPY/cjsSHrGs4BQ/s1600/Frame%2B1.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div><br />In a rare moment of brilliance, I thought it could be interesting to get another collage frame and cut the circles apart, hanging them around the larger frame, creating a sort of "floating bubble" effect. It took several months to follow through on the idea, but the final effect is pretty sweet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9p82mJA-6c/U-0G63W3IyI/AAAAAAAACPU/0CbL_aKu4TQ/s1600/Frame%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9p82mJA-6c/U-0G63W3IyI/AAAAAAAACPU/0CbL_aKu4TQ/s1600/Frame%2B3.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then when we painted our living room before listing our house for sale, we did a bit more rearranging and added a clock to the mix, so here is what it looks like today:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNGjZKaeCaw/U-0G7u68htI/AAAAAAAACPg/bnAVRirCYcQ/s1600/Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNGjZKaeCaw/U-0G7u68htI/AAAAAAAACPg/bnAVRirCYcQ/s1600/Frame.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">{Linked on <a href="http://thismommasramblings.com/2014/08/17/this-mommas-meandering-mondays-60/" target="_blank">This Momma's Ramblings</a>, <a href="http://carriethishome.com/2014/08/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-89/" target="_blank">Carrie This Home</a>, <a href="http://www.sewcando.com/2014/08/craftastic-monday-link-party-free.html" target="_blank">Sew Can Do</a>, <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/12-back-to-school-crafts-and-monday-funday/" target="_blank">Uncommon Designs</a>, <a href="http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2014/08/calling-all-crafters-2014-31st-edition.html" target="_blank">All Things Fee</a>, <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/merry-monday-link-party-16/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a>}</div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-35965508960331443352014-08-11T07:00:00.000-06:002014-08-11T07:00:08.741-06:00Halloween Costume Tutorial RoundupI am sorry to say that I am already thinking about Halloween costumes. I suppose that is what happens when you're making costumes for your kids. This year, I think my daughter will join the throngs of Queen Elsas, but my son is still undecided. Here are some tutorials for what I think will be some popular boy costumes this year:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Qdolyt_bI/U-hFQ1WaN5I/AAAAAAAACOY/_Afw_v6DyOk/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Qdolyt_bI/U-hFQ1WaN5I/AAAAAAAACOY/_Afw_v6DyOk/s1600/Title.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ninja</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe it's just my kid, but it seems like ninjas are pretty cool these days. This simple, no-sew DIY is a great costume if you're looking for something quick and easy:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGu6Z3bj9Ew/U-hF1EFOZoI/AAAAAAAACOg/50GztOn_D-Q/s1600/Ninja+-+The+Southern+Institute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGu6Z3bj9Ew/U-hF1EFOZoI/AAAAAAAACOg/50GztOn_D-Q/s1600/Ninja+-+The+Southern+Institute.jpg" height="400" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Jenny @&nbsp;The Southern Institute (posted on <a href="http://andreasnotebook.com/2012/09/handmade-costume-series-diy-no-sew-ninja-costume-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Andrea's Notebook</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lego</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next to Queen Elsa, I think Legos might be the most popular thing for kids this year. There are a lot of Lego costume tutorials out there, but I think this one might be the most realistic looking one, which is why I chose it. Of course, it looks really complicated, too. This is specifically for a Lego Boba Fett costume, but I think it could be adapted to be any sort of Lego person:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8Y2VH0beF8/U-hGkG4rcaI/AAAAAAAACOo/d0qTdLZMA3g/s1600/Lego+-+Art+and+Its+Accoutrements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8Y2VH0beF8/U-hGkG4rcaI/AAAAAAAACOo/d0qTdLZMA3g/s1600/Lego+-+Art+and+Its+Accoutrements.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://artanditsaccoutrements.blogspot.com/2011/11/lego-boba-fett-costume.html" target="_blank">Art &amp; Its Accoutrements</a></td></tr></tbody></table>If you're looking for a much simpler Lego costume and your kid isn't set on being Emmet, check out this tutorial:<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xk2iUs6S7M/U-hHCQek5WI/AAAAAAAACOw/6tCvc3bmo9A/s1600/Lego+-+Wine+&amp;+Glue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xk2iUs6S7M/U-hHCQek5WI/AAAAAAAACOw/6tCvc3bmo9A/s1600/Lego+-+Wine+&amp;+Glue.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.wineandglue.com/2012/10/homemade-lego-costume.html" target="_blank">Wine &amp; Glue</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Viking</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am thinking I need to have my son see the new How to Train Your Dragon movie so maybe he'll want to be a viking for Halloween. This viking costume is so clever and so awesome that I want a reason to make it:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t92bDTH5G-I/U-hHfEIs-jI/AAAAAAAACO4/GvPUQMUSn9s/s1600/Viking+-+I+Am+Momma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t92bDTH5G-I/U-hHfEIs-jI/AAAAAAAACO4/GvPUQMUSn9s/s1600/Viking+-+I+Am+Momma.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.iammommahearmeroar.net/2011/10/viking-costume.html" target="_blank">I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dragon</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, the movie might also make him want to be a dragon, which could be a fun costume to make and let's face it... these little dragons are super cute:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPhvIwC8rPA/U-hH9pVnjKI/AAAAAAAACPA/lhb4IZh22a0/s1600/Dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPhvIwC8rPA/U-hH9pVnjKI/AAAAAAAACPA/lhb4IZh22a0/s1600/Dragon.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.triedandtrueblog.com/how-to-make-a-dragon-costume-from-a-sweatsuit/" target="_blank">Tried &amp; True</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Have you started thinking about Halloween yet? I'd love to hear what sort of costumes you'll be whipping up, so please share a comment!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-78183481093380573742014-08-06T10:04:00.000-06:002014-08-06T10:04:05.311-06:00Where I Live - Thanksgiving Point Museum of Natural CuriosityIt's been a while since I blogged about fun things to do in Utah, but I felt like a visit to Thanksgiving Point's new Museum of Natural Curiosity warranted a post. <i>Please note, all opinions are all my own.</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vUCJXSAhfA/U-JKKbihiFI/AAAAAAAACNs/OFEkLAAyOeg/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vUCJXSAhfA/U-JKKbihiFI/AAAAAAAACNs/OFEkLAAyOeg/s1600/Sign.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enjoyutah.org/2014/05/museum-of-natural-curiosity.html" target="_blank">(image source)</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Thanksgiving Point, in Lehi Utah, has a promotion during August called "$2 Tuesday." That is why my kids and I ended up braving the crowds to see the Museum of Natural Curiosity yesterday. We had originally planned to visit the farm, but just as we left the house, a lovely summer rainstorm began. I didn't feel like slogging through farm mud in my flip-flops, so we changed plans.<br /><br />Upon arriving, we saw the line to get into the building and I started to get a little worried. It is obvious that this museum is busy because they have partitions set up outside to direct the line, along with signs telling you how long you'll have to wait. We started out by the 60 minute wait sign. 45 minutes later, we were buying our tickets and getting the spiel about the rules of the museum. Entry cost us $6 thanks to the promotion, instead of the $39 it would've cost any other day. Worth the hassle? Probably.<br /><br />We were informed that if we wanted a chance to visit the rope bridges in the Rainforest section, we needed to go get a timed wrist band immediately which would tell us when we could come back. Sort of like a Disney fast-pass... but less fancy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EbEU40o8jo/U-JMx2cBMxI/AAAAAAAACN4/ESUoC0Si2JM/s1600/Rope+Bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EbEU40o8jo/U-JMx2cBMxI/AAAAAAAACN4/ESUoC0Si2JM/s1600/Rope+Bridges.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://utahvalley360.com/2014/02/14/22-sneak-peek-pics-of-new-thanksgiving-point-museum/" target="_blank">(image source)</a></td></tr></tbody></table>That's what we did... or tried to do. I approached the attendant to ask about wrist bands (at 2:30 PM) and was informed that the next entry time was 6:45 PM. I literally laughed out loud and quickly retreated to deal with my kids' disappointment.<br /><br />So, we decided to find other things to see. I consulted the map, which told me approximately nothing, then we started exploring. That's when we discovered Kidopolis, a kid-size city filled with all sorts of activities kids can do, from playing bank teller to performing on a theatre stage, x-raying stuffed animals, and playing musical instruments.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oauqJawQURY/U-JN9FWzzwI/AAAAAAAACOA/_sDuDmwFCk8/s1600/3+X+Raying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oauqJawQURY/U-JN9FWzzwI/AAAAAAAACOA/_sDuDmwFCk8/s1600/3+X+Raying.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie x-rays Fido.</td></tr></tbody></table>This is where we spent the majority of our time, mostly because it was so crowded that the kids had to wait a while to get a turn for everything. The tiny rooms were difficult to navigate without a proper map and there weren't really instructions posted on how to use the various items in the rooms. Some of them were easier to figure out than others. And then some genius designer decided it would be fun to add in secret passages, which make it inevitable that parents will lose their kids.<br /><br />After braving the swarms of children, the clearly overstimulated parents, and the tiny secret-passaged rooms for a while, I was ready to snap and decided it was time for a potty break and some time outside in the gardens.<br /><br />The first thing we encountered upon exiting the building was the playground. It is a nice playground, with digging toys, spinning toys, a zip line, teeter-totters (who knew they still made those?!), and 2 swings... and hundreds of children. We played on the swings and waited in line for a teeter-totter, which was a huge hit with my kids. The line for the zip line was as long as the zip line itself, so I refused to let my kids wait for that. Instead, I convinced them to wander through the gardens with me to see what else there was (since we were uninformed by the map).<br /><br />In addition to the playground, there is a koi pond with windows so you can see the fish, hedge mazes, a couple of caves, and Noah's Ark, which is actually a splash area that was closed yesterday during our visit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Px-_7FHj9iY/U-JPr_-e1QI/AAAAAAAACOI/DCWPQ5WO21s/s1600/4+Ark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Px-_7FHj9iY/U-JPr_-e1QI/AAAAAAAACOI/DCWPQ5WO21s/s1600/4+Ark.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />This was my favorite place. Since it was closed, nobody was around. I defied the rules and let my kids climb up for a photo op. Then we ventured back through the hedge mazes, where I promptly lost both of my kids again.<br /><br />Once I found my way out of the hedge and located both kids, I was completely overstimulated and exhausted. It started raining again, so we headed back inside to visit the Water Works section. Maybe it was because of the rain, but this area seemed extra crowded. There were lines for every exhibit, no instructions on how to use the exhibits or what the point of them was, so we didn't stay long. Despite screams of protest, I decided it was best for my sanity if we left as soon as possible.<br /><br />My overall impression of this museum is that it would be fun if it was not crowded, but the cost of going during a less crowded time is way too high. Despite all the exhibits being designed for children, the areas were too cramped for the adults that children inevitably bring with them.<br /><br />Have you visited this museum? I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-22426225706639860192014-08-05T13:06:00.000-06:002014-08-05T13:06:03.508-06:00A Few Book ReviewsI can't believe I've let over a month go by without blogging about all the books I've been reading! It's been 6 weeks since I posted <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-reading-list.html" target="_blank">my reading list</a>, so I think it's high time I told you about the books I've finished so far.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-bWx7lbdX0/U9_mDjOm8oI/AAAAAAAACNc/YMcXN4wOQXw/s1600/Book+Cover+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-bWx7lbdX0/U9_mDjOm8oI/AAAAAAAACNc/YMcXN4wOQXw/s1600/Book+Cover+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><i>A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough </i>by Wayne Muller</b><br /><i><br /></i>I enjoy reading books about self-discovery and generally only read self-help books that are aimed more about the emotional/spiritual side of things. This one seemed to fit the bill. It wasn't available in my local library system, so I had to get it through inter-library loan, which took a while.<br /><br />The book is more a series of short essays, so the book as a whole doesn't really seem to be whole. The writing was not terribly impressive, often feeling hurried and disjointed. But there were some tidbits of wisdom that I liked enough to make note of.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"If we are reluctant to update our position, we will live our days presuming that wherever we set our course when we began, however long ago, obviously describes precisely where we should be by now."</blockquote>Overall, this book did help me see a different perspective on things like how I view myself, my responsibilities, my life, and my relationships.<br /><br />Would I recommend it? Yes, but with reservations.<br /><i><br /></i><b><i>Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage</i> by Alfred Lansing</b><br /><br />This book was recommended to me by a friend, who discovered it in a book club. This is a book I probably never would've sought out without a recommendation because it doesn't seem like it would be all that interesting. But it really was.<br /><br />This is an historical account of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 voyage to Antarctica. The original goal of this voyage was for a group of men to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent. The book documents the events leading up the voyage, then the voyage itself, which failed at its goal after the ship got stuck in the ice pack and eventually sunk.<br /><br />This really is an incredible story that shows how resilient people really can be in the most difficult times. I especially loved that the book is written around first-hand accounts from interviews and journal entries and it even includes photos taken by the crew. If you like historical non-fiction, this is a great one.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“In that instant they felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. Though they had failed dismally even to come close to the expedition's original objective, they knew now that somehow they had done much, much more than ever they set out to do.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Definitely yes.<br /><br /><b><i>The Joy Luck Club</i> by Amy Tan</b><br /><br />I love mother-daughter stories, and this one did not disappoint. This book is about a group of Chinese mothers and their Chinese-American daughters. Each chapter is told from a different person's perspective, so you get to know all the mothers and daughters. While their stories are so different, by the end, you can see how they are very much the same.<br /><br />This was a fun and insightful read that really makes you think about relationships with those closest to you and how everyone has hidden parts of themselves. Ultimately, I think this book is about reconciling what you think you know about someone with who they really are. I think that is a universal struggle for aging children to come to see their parents as the complicated people they really are, and this book captures that perfectly.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“For unlike my mother, I did not believe I could be anything I wanted to be. I could only be me. ”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Yes.<br /><br /><b><i>Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English</i> by Natasha Solomons</b><br /><br />This is a fun, though sometimes frustrating story of a German immigrant family living in England during and after World War II. The book follows Mr. Rosenblum's obsessive desire to be viewed as a true Englishman, no matter the consequences. He does everything he can think of to be accepted, but when his requests for membership at various golf courses throughout England are all rejected, he is forced to take drastic measures.<br /><br />The book follows Mr. Rosenblum as he sets out to build his own golf course, and in the process, learns a lot about himself, his family, and those he has tried so hard to be accepted by.<br /><br />The family dynamics - particularly between Mr. and Mrs. Rosenblum - truly make this a book worth reading.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“It was much better to share it with him; if he was a madman then at least they were crazy together.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Yes.<br /><br /><b><i>Navigating Early</i> by Clare Vanderpool</b><br /><br />This juvenile fiction is a wonderful read. I sought this out after enjoying Vanderpool's first book, <i>Moon Over Manifest.</i>&nbsp;The books have similar themes, centering around a child who is lost in an adult world, discovering themselves, their friends, and their parents along their journey. <i>Navigating Early</i>&nbsp;is about two friends who set out through the Appalachian wilderness and the things they discover along the way.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“Finding your way doesn't mean you always know where you're going. It's knowing how to find your way back home that's important.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Definitely yes.<br /><br /><b><i>On Chesil Beach</i> by Ian McEwan</b><br /><br />This book was not quite what I expected, though I'm not sure what I expected. This is the story of two newlyweds. The story cuts back and forth between past and present -- the present being their wedding night. Needless to say, the present is all about sex. But the interwoven story of these two people, their backgrounds, their personalities, and their secrets was very interesting. The book is not really about sex, but it is about how a person's entire life can be changed in an instant by what they do or do not say. It is thought-provoking, and actually quite frustrating, to see these characters struggle and ultimately fail.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“She knew very well that people fell out, even stormily, and then made up. But she did not know how to start - she simply did not have the trick of it, the row that cleared the air, and could never quite believe that hard words could be unsaid or forgotten.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Probably not because of the sexual content.<br /><br /><b><i>The Universe Versus Alex Woods</i> by Gavin Extence</b><br /><br />I picked this up from my local library's Reader's Choice shelf. It is a long book, but totally sucked me in. From the very start, the protagonist and the story are unexpected and surprising. This is a story largely about relationships.<br /><br />The story is told by Alex Woods, a kid who has a very unusual life, and follows his friendship with the elderly Mr. Peterson. It is a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic story of how their lives intertwine over years.<br /><br />It does have some language, but I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for Extence's next book to come out.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“The first thing I learned that day was this: what you think you know about a person is only a fraction of the story.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Would I recommend it? Definitely yes.<br /><br />I'd love to hear your thoughts about any of these books or recommendations for things I should read in the future. And come be my friend on Goodreads by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5072098-krissy" target="_blank">clicking here.</a>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-44337452454642150172014-07-30T11:51:00.006-06:002014-08-04T16:44:57.198-06:00What I'm Working On WednesdayToday, I'm working on a couple of&nbsp;things:<br /><br /><b>Etsy Shop Production</b><br /><u><br /></u>I've kind of let my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotCommodityHome" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> sit dormant for a while because I haven't had a lot of sales. I even considered closing up shop, but just this week I decided I'd like to give it another try. So I've start mass-producing <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotCommodityHome?section_id=13999189&amp;ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">Christmas stockings</a> to get them listed later this week. If you're in the market for new stockings this year, keep an eye out for my new inventory. And I'm always happy to do custom orders and may even offer custom embroidery.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWw9XmWak74/U9ktB_ePc3I/AAAAAAAACM4/zgcCucZLB0Y/s1600/New+Stockings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWw9XmWak74/U9ktB_ePc3I/AAAAAAAACM4/zgcCucZLB0Y/s1600/New+Stockings.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Cub Scout Arrow of Light Awards</b><br /><b><br /></b>I only have two weeks to finish up the Arrow of Light awards I've started on. Come see the hand painted plaques I made in <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-cub-scout-arrow-of-light-award.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. This week, I'm working on putting together each boy's award arrow to hang below his plaque. I'm using arrow kits I found at <a href="http://www.nature-watch.com/arrow-of-light-kit-p-1462.html" target="_blank">Nature-Watch</a>. I like these arrow kits better than the ones at the Scout shop because these ones have stone arrowheads. I'll post an update once they are finished so you can see the final product.<br /><br /><b>Organizing a Days for Girls Sewing Event</b><br /><b><br /></b>I am the team leader for the South Jordan, Utah team for <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/" target="_blank">Days for Girls International</a>. In September, I'm hosting a sewing day for anyone who wants to help! If you're in the Salt Lake City area, come sew with us! See the event details &amp; RSVP <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/419971768140505/" target="_blank">on Facebook here</a>. If you're not in the area, but still interested in helping out <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/" target="_blank">Days for Girls International</a>, check out their website and <a href="http://www.daysforgirls.org/#!days-for-girls-chapters/c12zw" target="_blank">find a chapter or team near you</a>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrdq3JzciPo/U9kwLORqaYI/AAAAAAAACNI/qqv28CdGZAM/s1600/Sewing+Day+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xrdq3JzciPo/U9kwLORqaYI/AAAAAAAACNI/qqv28CdGZAM/s1600/Sewing+Day+Flyer.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div><br />What are you working on today?Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-5842197008531221442014-07-27T07:00:00.000-06:002014-07-27T15:50:48.587-06:00Co-Hosting Social Media Mixer #9<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 9th&nbsp;week of the Social Media Mixer, a brand new social media link-up started when the Weekday Mixer and Social Media Sunday joined forces. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 8&nbsp;- we had 135 blogs and numerous social media link-ups!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6896" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" height="300" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday&nbsp;nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday&nbsp;night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts&nbsp;and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Welcome your hosts!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brittany" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7638" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Brittany.png" height="512" width="640" /> &nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Natasha from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Epic Mommy Adventures</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Angel from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Sew Crafty Angel</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Cathy from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Teresa from <a href="http://www.craftywife.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wife</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;Julia from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.minivandreams.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Minivan Dreams</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;|&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">Liz from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://lookbylizlewis.blogspot.com/" style="color: #beeded;" target="_blank">Look by Liz Lewis</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Kaitlyn from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://threesistersandus.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Three Sisters and Us</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Shana from <a href="http://www.technotini.com/" target="_blank">Technotini</a></span>&nbsp;| Anni from <a href="http://grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grapefruit Princess</a> | Tiffany from&nbsp;<a href="http://mrsteelovelifelaughter.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter</a> |&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Ce Ce from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.achimom.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Chicago Mom</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| </span>&nbsp;Jillian from <a href="http://www.babydoodah.com/" target="_blank">Baby Doodah</a> |&nbsp;Holly from <a href="http://southernmomloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Southern Mom Loves</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And welcome your guest hosts for July!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SMM Guests_062714" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7378" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SMM-Guests_062714.png" height="506" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bonnie from <a href="http://www.ladyblogger.net/" target="_blank">LadyBlogger</a> | Chelsea from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/thatssochelish.blogspot.com" target="_blank">That's So Chelish...</a> | Tara from <a href="http://www.myanythingandeverything.com/" target="_blank">Anything &amp; Everything</a> | Aysh from <a href="http://www.wordsnneedles.com/" target="_blank">Words n Needles</a> | Amanda from <a href="http://www.oldhousetonewhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Old House to New Home</a> | Krissy from <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Commodity</a> | Jen from <a href="http://www.twentieschic.com/" target="_blank">Twenties Chic</a> | Victoria from <a href="http://www.giveaways4mom.com/" target="_blank">Giveaways 4 Mom</a> | Maria from <a href="http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Nature Decor</a> | Breanna from <a href="https://www.brepurposed.com/" target="_blank">Brepurposed</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Victoria&nbsp;chose...</strong></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Maniac Mom" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7881" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Maniac-Mom.jpg" height="225" width="300" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Maniac Mom</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hi! I’m Kristen! I’m a stay-at-home mom of one stupendous little boy, Chase (August 2012), and one stunning little girl, Skylar (February 2014). My favorite by far is my current occupation. I’m married to a wonderful man, Kyle, who makes it possible to do so. &nbsp;This was started as a memento for my children, so when they got older, they could learn more about me and the person I was as well as the mother I grew into. As time went on, it morphed into something much more. &nbsp;I suffer from depression and anxiety. I also show signs of a developing bi-polar condition and have gone through two stays at a mental health hospital. Through this site, I will share my journey though being a depressed mother and how I handle life. I’ve become an advocate and a supporter of making depression less taboo, less hidden, and I challenge people, not just moms, everywhere to break the silence. I'm also starting a campaign to bring it to the attention of the general public the massive amount of work needed to make the mental health care system better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maniacmom.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maniacmom808/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ManiacMom808" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maniacmom808" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jillian and Ce Ce chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Real Housewife" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7882" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Real-Housewife-500x313.jpg" height="313" width="500" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Diary of a Real Housewife</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hi! I’m Jennie, a wifey, mommy, and a child of God. And the girl behind the blog The Diary of a Real Housewife. &nbsp;Welcome to my little part of the world. I'm a stay at home mom who loves to write, cook, and spend time with my littles. I spend my days reading books to my boys, changing lots of diapers, folding loads and load and yeah more loads of laundry. And I wouldn't change a thing about it. I love dancing around the kitchen with my kids, and hanging out at home with my hubby watching Netflix.&nbsp;I started this blog originally to keep family and friends updated with the boys (boy at the start) since my family lives hours away. &nbsp;&nbsp;My goal for my blog is today is to be a place for other moms to feel encouraged. I post super easy recipes that will hopefully help getting dinner on the table easier and try and post encouraging words to help moms understand that they are not alone in this journey!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/housewifediary" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/TDOARH/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/jenniec565" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+JenniferDuncanTheDiaryofaRealHousewife/about?tab=XX" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Jenniec565" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4823171" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByJennie101" target="_blank">Etsy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Holly&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="GoldBoxJJ" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7883" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/GoldBoxJJ-500x200.jpg" height="200" width="500" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Everything</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Everything is a digital space designed to aid and inspire women everywhere to be fearless, dazzling and fabulous while finding the delicate balance between dreams and reality. We encourage our readers to blur the lines between affordability and extravagence, family and friends, and work and play in order to live a more fulfilling life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://speakingofeverythingmag.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Speaking-of-Everything/429428653829079" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SofE_Tweet" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://miptags.com/mipboard/534" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sofe_pin" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/sofe_Insta" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tiffany&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="selfiesarehard!" class="aligncenter wp-image-7884" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/selfiesarehard-500x500.jpg" height="290" width="290" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Domain of the Mad Mommy</h3><div style="text-align: center;">My name is Echo and I am the Mad Mommy. &nbsp;I am a 32 year old wife, mother, homeschooler, blogger and partial lunatic. &nbsp;I lost a bit of my mind years ago and then, lost the rest when I had children!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themadmommy.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/irkedmommy" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/domainofthemadmommy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IrkedMommy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/TheMadMommy/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/irkedmommy#" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Krissy&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="steve_aurora_cat" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7885" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/steve_aurora_cat.jpg" height="300" width="200" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Rustic Willow</h3><div style="text-align: center;">My name is Cat: The Cooker, Crafter, and Blogger over here at The Rustic Willow. &nbsp;I’m a twenty-something-year old living in New Orleans. I’m a huge believer in traveling to the unknown, exploring new places, and dreaming big–I’m currently doing all of those things while living down here in the bayou. &nbsp;I started this blog after I had some success with my Etsy shop where I sell hand-painted signs and photographs. After I began the shop I was taking over the house and kitchen table with wood, paints and crafts–shortly after, my sweet, sweet boyfriend devoted a room in his house to my crafts. A whole room! Since then, I haven’t wanted to stop crafting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://therusticwillow.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/elsbycc" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://google.com/+CatherineElsby" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/elsbycc" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://therusticwillow.com/shop/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12526721" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therusticwillowblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/elsbycc/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Anni&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="blogger-image--1949473358" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7887" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/blogger-image-1949473358-500x386.jpg" height="386" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Crazily Normal</h3><div style="text-align: center;">I started this blog back in June 2013 as a way of keeping touch with family and friends, both near and far, and as a way to write down my thoughts, feelings, and memories of our days as a family of 4 (of course I'm including our first baby, Leaf). &nbsp;Life has been going in full speed since Palmer was born, and I don't want to forget anything! So, I've picked up a (new) hobby; Photography! I try to capture our special moments, milestones, and everyday memories on camera.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mitchalycia.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Blog</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://instagram.com/alyciapalmer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/alycia_lowe" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crazilynormal" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/112407043311914813435/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/leafslowe/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10266518/living-laughing-learning-amp-loving" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Maria&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="profile-pic1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7888" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/profile-pic1.jpg" height="300" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">North of Something</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hello, I’m Jamie! I currently live in Hawaii with my husband, who is in the Army, along with our three year old son. &nbsp;This blog is for people who love to travel, or haven’t traveled much but want to start, and also the reluctant traveler that may be moving to new parts of the world courtesy of the U.S. Military. &nbsp;As a military wife, I get to move around a lot to different homes in different cities, but no matter where we live, we are always north of something – always close enough to explore the culture and nature that surrounds us. And a big trip to a dreamed about destination every once in awhile is pretty great too! &nbsp;I write to inspire other travelers (and those who hope to) to explore the world and encounter the unknown with open hearts. This is the only life we get – let’s get out there and really SEE this beautiful world we live in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.northofsomething.com/" target="_blank"> Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jamiemcgillen/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/northofsomething" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/north_something" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12373991" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/jamiemcgillen" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Teresa chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0151" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7889" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_0151-500x375.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">My Creative Days</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to The Sassy Southerner, where life is sassy and full of adventure! This is a lifestyle blog about all the things that make me excited: love, travel, wine, food, lip gloss and everything in between. &nbsp;I ' m N i c o l e : a born and bred fiery Texan, college student, and wanna-be travel/food blogger. I believe in living life to the fullest, giving sweet kisses, star gazing often and soaking up the sun as much as possible. I am completely and utterly captivated by the ocean and the great outdoors. Fresh flowers and a good adventure make my heart sing, and I never leave the house without mascara and a good pair of earrings!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesassysouthernerblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesassysouthernerblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nicolemayx/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sunkissedtwist" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/thewanderingtexan" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12405137" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jen&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="24" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7890" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/24-500x500.png" height="500" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Art of Sipping Coffee</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by my blog! My name is Katelyn, the person behind all the writing. The Art of Sipping Coffee is a lifestyle blog about anything and everything. Whether it’s about health, art and design, travel, or my personal life, you can always expect great ideas and tips as well as something funny or interesting. &nbsp;I started The Art of Sipping Coffee lifestyle blog because it allows me to fulfill two of my many passions, writing and designing. This blog started out as a way to track our time abroad in Taiwan allowing our family and friends to share in our experiences. Then I changed my mind (like always) and decided that I didn’t only want to write about travel, but that I have many other things I would like to share with the world. I also wanted a blog that could evolve with me as time goes on. I wanted something that could change with my age and interests. Thus, The Art of Sipping Coffee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artsippingcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/artsippingcoffee" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/104374224768373872174" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/kay_boose" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kayboose" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>| <a href="http://twitter.com/kay_boose" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shana&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="cropped-Logo-Face-White" class="aligncenter wp-image-7891" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cropped-Logo-Face-White-500x500.jpg" height="311" width="311" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Crunchy, Crafty, and Highly Caffeinated</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crunchycrafty.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12119955" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/crunchycraftyandhighlycaffeinated" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CCHCblog" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CCHCBlog/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tara&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="577945_2071214437627_249456977_n-e1405443268615" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7892" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/577945_2071214437627_249456977_n-e1405443268615-500x398.jpg" height="398" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">21 Random</h3><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I'm Chrissy - mom of 3 boys, Coastie wife, Design freak, handmade business owner, &amp; coconut rum enthusiast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.21random.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21Random?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/21random/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/chrissy_21random" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Aysh&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Meet-Crystal" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7893" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Meet-Crystal.jpg" height="300" width="298" /></div>&nbsp; <br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Finding Crystal</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hey y’all! My name is Crystal and I’m from the Upstate of South Carolina. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two furbabies. I have a degree in English and Psychology and had all the intentions in the world to be an English teacher. However, God had other plans for my life. &nbsp;I have lived with chronic health problems all of my life. These include several open heart surgeries, asthma, and depression with anxiety. Recently I was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and chronic anemia. I have also struggled with losing weight and food addiction. &nbsp;I am an amateur blogger with a love for learning, animals, movies, a little too much TV, couponing, spending time with family, and writing. I am also a book devourer, Lupus warrior, social media addict, among many other titles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://findingcrystal.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/searchingforcrystal" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CrystalDuncanatFindingCrystal/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/crystal-duncan/90/544/811" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bloggercrystal/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://twitter.com/findingcrystal" target="_blank">Twitter</a> |&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/insearchofcrystal" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Natasha&nbsp;chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="_MG_0859 (1)" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7894" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_0859-1-500x341.jpg" height="341" width="500" /></div>&nbsp; <br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">Welcome! I am Shaunacey. Wife to Brent (aka Mr. B), first-time mom to Annabelle (aka mini-me) and mom to fur-child, Lilo. I work full-time, love to cook and bake (and eat), love to shop, like to (try) and be crafty and LOVE to laugh. &nbsp;</span>I am a fast-talker, deep-thinker and loud-laugher. It seems that I am either taking life too seriously or not seriously enough. &nbsp;As a first-time mom I feel like I don't know what I am doing a lot of the time and I am learning ALL of the time. Even though I have no clue what I am doing, I love EVERY second. She makes it easy. &nbsp;Like everyone, I'm trying to find the perfect balance and I'm not there just yet. I want to be a great wife, mom, friend and employee and I want to look good doing it. 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If you have the misfortune of also having an octagonal window in your house, you know how difficult it can be to find a window covering for it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkYECPUd5oU/U9AO7jNTPqI/AAAAAAAACMo/cVybtez3yB4/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkYECPUd5oU/U9AO7jNTPqI/AAAAAAAACMo/cVybtez3yB4/s1600/House.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our master bedroom is very long and up until late last year, our bed sat on the opposite end of the room from this weird window. We've gotten used to having a fair amount of light shining into our room. Our town home is on a courtyard and we have many neighbors who leave their porch lights on all night long, which illuminates our room.<br /><br />When we began prepping our home for sale, we decided to do some rearranging. This put our bed (specifically MY side of the bed) right under the octagonal window. Did I mention this window faces east? During the winter, this wasn't a big problem, but once the sun started coming up before 7 AM every day, it became unbearable. I knew I needed to find a solution.<br /><br />So, I set out to create a covering for this weird window. I succeeded, but it was so hard that I could not even attempt to write up a detailed tutorial. But, since these oddly shaped window coverings are so hard to find, I want to give you some idea of how I made this, just in case it can help some other poor octagonal window owner in the future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep1_z3mWsCU/U9AHLbDhafI/AAAAAAAACMM/a_-UCWhnrVw/s1600/Window+Covering+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep1_z3mWsCU/U9AHLbDhafI/AAAAAAAACMM/a_-UCWhnrVw/s1600/Window+Covering+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />First, get a pencil and a sheet of paper (or two or three) and a measuring tape. Measure and document the following:<br /><ol><li>Each side of the octagon. That's right -- all 8 sides. Why? Because they probably are not exactly the same. I know mine aren't. My side lengths vary up to 1/4". I ended up averaging them.</li><li>The total width of the octagon (from left to right... or right to left).</li><li>The total height of the octagon (in theory, this should match the width, but again, mine didn't).</li><li>The sides, width, and height of the window frame.</li></ol><div>Once you have all these measurements written down and possibly drawn out, you are ready to start.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, select your fabric. I didn't want to spend money on this in case it was a huge embarrassing failure. I used some leftover blackout lining for the back. For the front, I used cotton. The red prints are Stampin' Up! fabric. I also used some off-white muslin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, starting with the lining, draw your shape onto your fabric. Be sure to add a bit for seam allowances. I am terrible at math and haven't used geometry since the 8th grade, so this part was really difficult for me. Ultimately, I drew a large box using the width and height of my octagon. Then I found the center of each side of the box and measured out my octagon sides from there. My lining ended up with a lot of extra lines because I had to start over a few times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once you've gotten your shape drawn onto your lining and you're sure it's big enough to cover the window, cut it out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Do the same with your other fabric. My floral fabric was actually a fat quarter, so it was not quite large enough to cover my window. I pieced my fabrics together to make it big enough before drawing and cutting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before you sew your pieces together, you'll need to add some loops across the back to feed your curtain rod through. Place one loop near the middle, then one close to each edge. Sew those onto your lining.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, pin your fabrics together, right sides facing. Sew around, leaving a space for turning. Flip it right side out, stitch your gap closed, then top stitch around the entire thing. Feed your curtain rod through.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zz068AMPn-o/U9AMVaX4JnI/AAAAAAAACMY/8hInf4irCm8/s1600/Window+Covering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zz068AMPn-o/U9AMVaX4JnI/AAAAAAAACMY/8hInf4irCm8/s1600/Window+Covering.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can see that my top corners do not stay up straight because my fabric is not very stiff. At the top of the curtain, I have added a few little squares of velcro with adhesive velcro stuck to the window frame. This keeps it up well enough that I am no longer roasted awake each morning at 6:25 AM. Mission accomplished, and though it is not perfect, it is good enough for me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have any oddly shaped windows in your house? I'd love to hear what solutions you've come up with.</div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-15484163679854050482014-07-23T07:00:00.000-06:002014-07-23T08:08:00.084-06:00DIY Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award PlaqueAs I've mentioned previously, I am currently the Cubmaster in my local Cub Scout Pack. This month, we have several boys finishing up their requirements to receive their Arrow of Light award. This is the award that boys can earn just before they "graduate" from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, so it's kind of a big deal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0l5RzvwtNU/U81xtR-VkoI/AAAAAAAACLs/PkawIvBzkrc/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0l5RzvwtNU/U81xtR-VkoI/AAAAAAAACLs/PkawIvBzkrc/s1600/Title.jpg" height="378" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I knew I wanted to present something special to the boys because the Arrow of Light requires a lot of time and work for these boys. I researched different types of award plaques that I could buy, but due to some budget constraints, I ultimately decided to make my own. And since they turned out so well and cost me so little to make, I wanted to share the process with the world!<br /><br /><b>Step 1: Purchase Your Supplies</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYn799qmkFw/U81neeX-vcI/AAAAAAAACLA/fVDTJ7dbzu4/s1600/Materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYn799qmkFw/U81neeX-vcI/AAAAAAAACLA/fVDTJ7dbzu4/s1600/Materials.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />I got my plaques from Hobby Lobby. You can get a wide range of sizes, but I opted for a 16" length x 4" height. The normal price is $5.99, but I bought each of mine separately with a coupon, so I paid under $4 for each.<br /><br />I also purchased craft paint in navy blue and metallic gold. You could save a few cents by getting a golden yellow paint instead of metallic. I happened to already have metallic paint on hand.<br /><br />You will also need some sawtooth hangers to attach to the back of the plaques for hanging.<br /><br />Finally, I splurged on a 4-pack of wooden fleur de lis appliqués. These are $1.99 for 4.<br /><br /><b>Step 2: Lay Out Your Text</b><br /><br />I selected a couple of nice fonts for my plaques and laid out the text in Illustrator. Create an art board the size of your plaque so that you can see the text to scale. The fonts I chose are <a href="http://www.dafont.com/impregnable.font" target="_blank">Impregnable</a> (bold script), Matrix (for the names), and Copperplate (for the smaller text).<br /><br />After laying out the text, print it. You can either print on a larger sheet of paper so that it will all fit as laid out, or you can rearrange it to fit on a standard sheet, which is what I did.<br /><br /><b>Step 3: Paint The Plaque &amp; Appliqué</b><br /><br />Apply your base paint to the plaque and let it dry. I needed 2-3 coats of navy blue to get solid coverage. I also painted my fleur de lis appliqués gold with a navy accent.<br /><br /><b>Step 4: Transfer Lettering to Wood</b><br /><br />Next you will transfer the lettering to the wooden plaque. To do this, cut around your printed text, then lay the paper on top of your wood. Make sure you're lining it up so the text goes straight across, then use painter's tape to hold the paper in place.<br /><br />Using a ball-point pen, trace the outline of the lettering, pressing hard to indent into the wood. Do this very carefully so that you don't end up with any stray dents.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI1OREd4Nco/U81ytgTcP1I/AAAAAAAACL8/DcRKGF84Lp8/s1600/Close+Up+Letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI1OREd4Nco/U81ytgTcP1I/AAAAAAAACL8/DcRKGF84Lp8/s1600/Close+Up+Letters.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Step 5: Paint The Letters</b><br /><br />Once you have traced the letters, indenting them into the plaque, painting them is fairly simple. Use a fine tip paint brush in order to get a nice clean line, especially on the smallest letters. This is the most time-consuming step, but it's worth spending the extra time to make sure you're filling in the letters well. Don't worry if you go outside your lines a little bit because you can always touch up the navy blue later on.<br /><br />For my larger letters, I applied 2 coats of gold paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGxD5_kA450/U81pC2imdWI/AAAAAAAACLQ/KLpxJ0ZiToQ/s1600/Plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGxD5_kA450/U81pC2imdWI/AAAAAAAACLQ/KLpxJ0ZiToQ/s1600/Plaque.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 6: Attach The Appliqué</b><br /><br />Once all your paint is dry, use wood glue to attach the wooden appliqué to your plaque. Again, make sure you're lining everything up straight.<br /><br /><i>In the above photo, my appliqué is not yet glued in place. I set it on there while I tried to decide if I wanted a date and a pack number on the plaque as well. Eventually, I decided that I did, so I painted the remaining words before attaching my appliqué.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yL2ks9oTj9Q/U81yb6q2qmI/AAAAAAAACL0/u9DOVroGSy0/s1600/Applique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yL2ks9oTj9Q/U81yb6q2qmI/AAAAAAAACL0/u9DOVroGSy0/s1600/Applique.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 7: Attach the Sawtooth Hanger</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nhCc1Rzwr8/U81q1xG8qBI/AAAAAAAACLY/1Oe8zJOnOlc/s1600/Hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nhCc1Rzwr8/U81q1xG8qBI/AAAAAAAACLY/1Oe8zJOnOlc/s1600/Hanger.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Follow the instructions on your sawtooth hangers to attach one or two to the back of the plaque. I used one hanger on each plaque, but you could place one on each end to make it easier to hang straight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muMxUbw92-w/U81q9rD3QMI/AAAAAAAACLg/A2vnuj5bqOU/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muMxUbw92-w/U81q9rD3QMI/AAAAAAAACLg/A2vnuj5bqOU/s1600/Finished.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And you're finished!<br /><br />Before Pack Meeting, I plan to hang a ceremonial arrow below each plaque so that the award itself is one piece.<br /><br />{Linked on <a href="http://733blog.com/2014/07/inspire-me-wednesday-30/" target="_blank">Seven Thirty Three</a>, <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/07/wicked-awesome-wednesday-170.html" target="_blank">Handy Man Crafty Woman</a>, <a href="http://www.fivehearthome.com/2014/07/22/moonlight-mason-jars-link-party-65/" target="_blank">Five Heart Home</a>, <a href="http://www.probablycrafting.com/2014/07/26th-week-of-wakeupwednesdaylinky-come.html" target="_blank">Probably Crafting</a>, <a href="http://www.wineandglue.com/2014/07/wake-wednesdays-week-46.html" target="_blank">Wine and Glue</a>, <a href="http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2014/07/your-whims-wednesday-172-and-features.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mygirlishwhims%2FeGPR+%28My+Girlish+Whims%29" target="_blank">My Girlish Whims</a>, <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/07/wow-me-wednesday-164.html" target="_blank">Ginger Snap Crafts</a>, <a href="http://ourthreepeas.com/wined-wednesday-45/" target="_blank">Our Three Peas</a>, <a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/2014/07/flusters-creativemuster-linky-party-81.html" target="_blank">Fluster Buster</a>}Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-54561757315656427572014-07-21T07:00:00.000-06:002014-07-22T16:13:08.148-06:00Outdoor Cushion TutorialTwo weeks ago, I guest-posted on <a href="http://www.apeekintomyparadise.com/" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a> and shared this cushion tutorial. Today, I'm sharing it here in case you didn't see it already! Of course, be sure to click over and check out Cathy's blog because she's always sharing worthwhile things.<br /><br />This project came to be when I put together a cinderblock/wood plank bench for our family cabin. The inspiration for the bench came from <a href="http://kaylasbasement.blogspot.ca/2012/06/diy-outdoor-bench.html" target="_blank">Kayla's Basement</a>. I actually put the bench together last summer, but never got around to adding a cushion before the cabin was closed up for the winter. This summer, I decided I needed to get it done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNuNNfWJ5d8/U68xBKQbBcI/AAAAAAAACII/_EnN8oxRimI/s1600/Bench+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNuNNfWJ5d8/U68xBKQbBcI/AAAAAAAACII/_EnN8oxRimI/s1600/Bench+Before.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />First off, you'll need to figure out what size you want your cushion to be. My bench was made using 8 ft planks. I measured the bench between the cinderblocks to determine my cushion length: 76 in. To figure the depth, I measured from the back of the back plank to the front of the front plank: 26 in.<br /><br />Next, you'll need to gather your materials. Here is what you'll need (measurements provided are the measurements I used for my 76x26 in cushion):<br /><ul><li>Foam for the cushion.</li><li>Outdoor fabric (2.5 yards)</li><li>Coordinating piping (5 yards)</li><li>Coordinating zipper (the longer the better - I used 28 inch)</li></ul><div>Just a side note about materials: Foam is really expensive to buy. If you want a quality cushion, I recommend buying good quality foam pad from JoAnn or somewhere similar. Since I was going for a budget-friendly version, I used an old eggshell pad that's been hanging out in the closet at the cabin for years. It just happened to be the perfect size when I folded it in half - eggshell sides together, which made it about 4 inches thick.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbtQxgRZUa4/U6igu2Cp82I/AAAAAAAACF8/HDvXv_a_tG4/s1600/1+Foam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbtQxgRZUa4/U6igu2Cp82I/AAAAAAAACF8/HDvXv_a_tG4/s1600/1+Foam.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now you're ready to begin!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 1:</b> Cut your fabric to size &amp; square up the edges.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLv_-OqcBU8/U6igqttzasI/AAAAAAAACF0/3tK_pyy1J8c/s1600/2+Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLv_-OqcBU8/U6igqttzasI/AAAAAAAACF0/3tK_pyy1J8c/s1600/2+Fabric.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, I laid my fabric out on top of my foam to make sure I didn't need to trim my foam down at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I trimmed off my selvedges so that I was working with a clean edge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7QoM9GCGq4/U6ihGtFyj7I/AAAAAAAACGE/i6K6-IpXjKM/s1600/3+Trim+to+Size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7QoM9GCGq4/U6ihGtFyj7I/AAAAAAAACGE/i6K6-IpXjKM/s1600/3+Trim+to+Size.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I determined that I needed my fabric to be 80 inches long so that I'd have 4 inches to compensate for the depth of the foam and seam allowances. I squared up the short edges and trimmed off a total of 10 inches from one end of the fabric.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to use the fold in the fabric along the back of the cushion so that I would only be adding piping and sewing three sides.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 2:</b> Baste your piping in place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since we're dealing with thicker fabric, you'll want to baste your piping in place on one side of your fabric. Start in the middle of your long edge and pin your piping in place on the right side of the fabric.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vOpaAC2goY/U6ihmXcvrdI/AAAAAAAACGM/OtOVy_zBtjE/s1600/4+Baste+Piping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vOpaAC2goY/U6ihmXcvrdI/AAAAAAAACGM/OtOVy_zBtjE/s1600/4+Baste+Piping.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I left my normal presser foot on my machine, switched to a basting stitch, then stitched right along the raw edge. There should be just enough space to have the left edge of the presser foot up against the piping cord as you stitch the edges together. Your piping only needs to extend halfway down the short sides of your fabric. Find the halfway point, then leave an extra inch or two of piping past where you stop basting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I94-RgNIdhE/U6iice4vJ2I/AAAAAAAACGU/FpApXblLoTk/s1600/4+Baste+Piping+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I94-RgNIdhE/U6iice4vJ2I/AAAAAAAACGU/FpApXblLoTk/s1600/4+Baste+Piping+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since we're using piping, you won't have square corners. When you near a corner with your piping, clip the edge a few times until you can get it to lay flat around the corner. Baste it in place, then trim the fabric to match the piping edge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww-ncUqXJR8/U6ii0wQi1fI/AAAAAAAACGc/HK6yeGFWIwI/s1600/5+Clip+Curves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww-ncUqXJR8/U6ii0wQi1fI/AAAAAAAACGc/HK6yeGFWIwI/s1600/5+Clip+Curves.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 3:</b> Stitch your layers together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc8JScouRRk/U6ijN9ZXgZI/AAAAAAAACGk/-LY3b-GeaLI/s1600/6+Stitch+Layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc8JScouRRk/U6ijN9ZXgZI/AAAAAAAACGk/-LY3b-GeaLI/s1600/6+Stitch+Layers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Switch to your zipper foot on your machine. Fold your fabric lengthwise. With right sides together (and piping sandwiched between), stitch all the layers together. I stitched my entire thing closed.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you get to the folded corners, fold your piping under and tuck the end through, like in the photo. This way, the raw edge of the piping will end up on the inside of the cushion cover. Sew all the way to the corners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcEXofR5uas/U6ikhfrUo4I/AAAAAAAACGs/stn7KBbAt3k/s1600/7+Turn+Piping+at+End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcEXofR5uas/U6ikhfrUo4I/AAAAAAAACGs/stn7KBbAt3k/s1600/7+Turn+Piping+at+End.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 4:</b> Install the zipper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the long folded edge of your fabric, you will cut a slit for the zipper. Make sure the slit is at least an inch shorter than your zipper. I wanted my zipper right in the middle of the cover to make it easier to get the foam into the cover. You could also add the zipper at one end of the cushion if you prefer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turn your cover right side out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Follow the instructions that come with your zipper. Or, if you bought one like mine that didn't include instructions, follow these steps:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Unzip your zipper.</li><li>Pin one side of the zipper in place, folding the raw fabric edge under as you go. Be sure to fold it under enough that your stitches will catch it - approximately 1/4 inch.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ESBfBwIITQ/U6siXWraZ_I/AAAAAAAACG8/t327qTrhSRI/s1600/8+Zipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ESBfBwIITQ/U6siXWraZ_I/AAAAAAAACG8/t327qTrhSRI/s1600/8+Zipper.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>Using the zipper foot, stitch the entire length of one side of the zipper.</li><li>Pin the other size of the zipper in place.</li><li>Stitch the entire length of the zipper.</li><li>When you come to the end without the zipper pull, make sure the zipper is on the inside of your cover, then stitch across the zipper if your machine can handle it. If not, do your best to taper your stitches until each side's stitching meets up below the zipper.</li></ul><div>Once your zipper is installed, shove your foam into the cover, zip it up, and voila! You're finished!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4sBYcmGAQU/U68xPk0e_TI/AAAAAAAACIQ/daykPMuZSxI/s1600/Bench+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4sBYcmGAQU/U68xPk0e_TI/AAAAAAAACIQ/daykPMuZSxI/s1600/Bench+After.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj_bv5E54ec/U68xP9IlHuI/AAAAAAAACIU/GJEdjmnbbRc/s1600/Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj_bv5E54ec/U68xP9IlHuI/AAAAAAAACIU/GJEdjmnbbRc/s1600/Close+Up.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now our bench might need a little paint to jazz up those cinderblocks... but that's a project for another day!</div></div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-17154471346100683242014-07-19T18:00:00.000-06:002014-07-19T18:00:00.722-06:00Co-Hosting Social Media Mixer #8<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 8th&nbsp;week of the Social Media Mixer, a brand new social media link-up started when the Weekday Mixer and Social Media Sunday joined forces. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 7&nbsp;- we had 141 blogs and numerous social media link-ups!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6896" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" height="300" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday&nbsp;nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday&nbsp;night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts&nbsp;and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Welcome your hosts!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brittany" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7638" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Brittany.png" height="512" width="640" /> &nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Natasha from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Epic Mommy Adventures</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Angel from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Sew Crafty Angel</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Cathy from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Teresa from <a href="http://www.craftywife.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wife</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;Julia from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.minivandreams.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Minivan Dreams</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;|&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">Liz from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://lookbylizlewis.blogspot.com/" style="color: #beeded;" target="_blank">Look by Liz Lewis</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Kaitlyn from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://threesistersandus.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Three Sisters and Us</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Shana from <a href="http://www.technotini.com/" target="_blank">Technotini</a></span>&nbsp;| Anni from <a href="http://grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grapefruit Princess</a> | Tiffany from&nbsp;<a href="http://mrsteelovelifelaughter.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter</a> |&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Ce Ce from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.achimom.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Chicago Mom</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| </span>&nbsp;Jillian from <a href="http://www.babydoodah.com/" target="_blank">Baby Doodah</a> |&nbsp;Holly from <a href="http://southernmomloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Southern Mom Loves</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">And welcome your guest hosts for July!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SMM Guests_062714" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7378" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SMM-Guests_062714.png" height="506" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bonnie from <a href="http://www.ladyblogger.net/" target="_blank">LadyBlogger</a> | Chelsea from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/thatssochelish.blogspot.com" target="_blank">That's So Chelish...</a> | Tara from <a href="http://www.myanythingandeverything.com/" target="_blank">Anything &amp; Everything</a> | Aysh from <a href="http://www.wordsnneedles.com/" target="_blank">Words n Needles</a> | Amanda from <a href="http://www.oldhousetonewhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Old House to New Home</a> | Krissy from <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Commodity</a> | Jen from <a href="http://www.twentieschic.com/" target="_blank">Twenties Chic</a> | Victoria from <a href="http://www.giveaways4mom.com/" target="_blank">Giveaways 4 Mom</a> | Maria from <a href="http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Nature Decor</a> | Breanna from <a href="https://www.brepurposed.com/" target="_blank">Brepurposed</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Breanna chose...</strong></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Wirl-Mamas" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7783" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Wirl-Mamas-500x216.jpg" height="216" width="500" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Wirl Mamas</h3><div style="text-align: center;">The story of Wirl Mamas came about when four moms decided there needed to be a site where real people can go to find real answers, interact with others and escape the everyday pressures of being a superhero. There needed to be a place where the “unspoken” lived and the “stories they never tell you” finally come out. After chatting over numerous playdates and coffee breaks we came up with the idea to share with the world What Its Really Like (WIRL) to be a Mama, Moma-to-be and/or a parent on one all-inclusive website. We found that it was exhausting to search forum after forum, page after page just to come up with a whole lot of jumbled thoughts that confused us even more, who has time for that? Instead, we created our blog to inform and connect with others, always sharing our honest opinions about what it was really like for us, even when its not pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wirlmamas.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wirlmamas" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/wirlmamas" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/4WirlMamas" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Amanda chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo-for-Blog-2014" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7784" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Photo-for-Blog-2014.png" height="218" width="211" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Krafts &amp; Kiddos</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hi There, I'm Heather! Welcome to Krafts &amp; Kiddos. A family blog about A Mama Running on Lots of Love, Laughter, and Coffee! I'm so glad you're here! I love crafting with my kids, decorating, &amp; baking. Most of all, I love being a busy stay at home mama. Did I mention, I LOVE coffee...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kraftsandkiddos.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kraftsandkiddos" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kraftsandkiddos/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/kraftsandkiddos" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/100491415482842895832/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kraftsandkiddos" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12034297" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Anni and Chelsea chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="us" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7785" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/us.jpg" height="220" width="220" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Crafty Lumberjacks</h3><div style="text-align: center;">We're Andrew and Dennis. We met while traveling together on the National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof! We're HUGE holiday enthusiasts and love to craft! Hopefully we can help with some inspiration from our apartment to yours.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://craftylumberjacks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7338337" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/clumberjacks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/cLumberjacks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Holly chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bldressfh-214x300" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7786" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Bldressfh-214x300.jpg" height="300" width="214" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sew Sew Neat</h3><div style="text-align: center;">On Sew Sew Neat, I try to present posts that are simple enough for even the beginning sewer to make. Travel along my journey of sewing or re-purposing everything one stitch at a time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewsewneat.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NeatSew" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Victoria, Ce Ce, and Aysh chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="July14Button_zpsfd06fbfb" class="aligncenter wp-image-7787 size-medium" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/July14Button_zpsfd06fbfb-200x200.png" height="200" width="200" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Just Mi!</h3><div style="text-align: center;">I've been blogging for a little over a year now. I realize that people are looking at this page to get a picture of who I am, so I want to keep it current. I don't consider myself new to blogging anymore, but I definitely haven't had the time to devote to my blogging like I've wanted to. There are still a lot of things I have to learn about blogging, but that's what makes it exciting! The original intent of my blog was to chronicle my hair journey. I've also taken to blogging about myself and some of the things I get into in my every day life. My blog is like a diary. I like to explore myself here and share that with you. My life is changing daily and I'll use my blog to talk about it! So stay tuned!! I'm about to take you all on a joy ride!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justmiblog.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/allnaturalmi" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MionnaHenderson/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/allnaturalmi" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/justmiblog" target="_blank">StumbleUpon</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11746159" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Mi/584692191558381" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/justmiblog/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Maria chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="img-teresak1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7788" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img-teresak1.jpg" height="176" width="242" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">NanaHood</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Teresa is the author of several books including The Knot at the End of Your Rope; Ten Ways to Hold on When You are Stressed Out and Mom: PhD-A Simple 6 Step course on Leadership for Moms. She was a major contributor to Humor for a Teacher’s Heart and Cup of Comfort Devotional: Daily Reminders of God’s Love and Grace. She also authored four Precious Moments books that were illustrated by Sam Butcher.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nanahood.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NanaHoodYears" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NanaHood-and-theNanaBlogs/179831745558" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104548351754160863294/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tbell1956/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jillian chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="KristinaTN" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7789" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/KristinaTN.png" height="223" width="225" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Cents and Order</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my blog! &nbsp;You’ll find posts about personal finance such as: budgeting, money saving tips, debt strategies, and credit repair. &nbsp;Do you feel like you’re surrounded by chaos? Life in disarray? You’ll also find organization tips, cool printables, and time saving techniques. And if you are fond of technology and digital organization, you’ll find tips for that too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.centsandorder.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/centsandorder" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/centsandorder" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/centsandorder" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12501535" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Teresa chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7790" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Lindsay-Headshot.jpg" height="390" width="308" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">My Creative Days</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hello! I’m Lindsay and I am thrilled you are here on My Creative Days! &nbsp;I started this little blog in April of 2013. I wanted an outlet to let my creative juices flow. I love to be creative in my day, my home and with my kids. I am obsessed with old wood, rusty treasures and everything in between. Finding frugal and creative ways to decorate our home, create a fun craft or do an activity with the kids is a passion of mine. And now, being able to express my ideas on this blog is a dream come true.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mycreativedays.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Creative-Days/322228184588511" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mycre8tivedays/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mycreativedays" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/mycreativedays" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7893481" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tara chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="homepic" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7791" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/homepic-457x500.png" height="500" width="457" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Dwell Beautiful</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hey all, I'm Erica, the blogger behind Dwell Beautiful. My husband, Nate, and I just bought a house for us and our two rambunctious kitties! This blog is place for me to showcase updates we do to our home as well as current design trends, craft tutorials, and home owner advice. I specialize in home makeovers and tutorials for those on a budget. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dwellbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dwellbeautifulblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EricaSooter/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/dwellbeautiful#" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/erica-sooter/39/705/a79/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/esooter/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/dwellbeautiful/likes" target="_blank">StumbleUpon</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ericasooter" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12188367/?claim=uft6gekynqa" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jen chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="AMS_Logo_Sm" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7792" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/AMS_Logo_Sm.png" height="122" width="288" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">A Mothers Shadow</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Hi, I am Car­rie and founder of ‘A Mother’s Shadow’. I have been mar­ried to my sweet­heart, Stan, for over 30 years and am the proud mother of 5 with a won­der­ful grow­ing pos­ter­ity of daughters-in-law, son-in-law and ter­rific grandchildren. Over the years I have been involved in my church, Cub and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, the com­mu­nity, all the schools my chil­dren have attended, PTA and have vol­un­teered in many other worth­while endeav­ors. All of these expe­ri­ences have helped and taught me in many ways.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amothersshadow.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AMothersShadow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AMothersShadow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/amothersshadow/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Natasha chose...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="blog pic" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7793" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/blog-pic.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">After Eleven</h3><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;After Eleven: a blog created to journal life's precious moments with hopes of one day passing it down to my kiddos. &nbsp;I want my kids to be able to look back at memories of their childhood. (and we all know scrapbooking just isn't keeping up with today's technology...so I chose this route). When they wonder what the style was "back then" they can just look back at this blog on my W.I.W. posts and be able to laugh at the ridiculous things I wore. I want them to be able to see love stories about their mom and dad. I want them to be able to look back and read the things that were on my heart at certain seasons in life and how each situation was handled. &nbsp;Along the way of creating this fun little journal for my family, I hope to make some new blogging buddies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.afterelevenblog.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whitney.cramer.39" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/cray_mur" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10705881/after-eleven-blog" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/whit_cramer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!</div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" title="Social Media Mixer" /></div><pre style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;">&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/category/blog-hops/social-media-mixer/" title="Social Media Mixer" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" alt="Social Media Mixer" style="border:none;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</pre><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Are you ready to start mixing it up?? Then, let's go!</h2><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure to add the button below to your sidebar to invite even more people to join the fun!</div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" /></div><pre style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;">&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</pre>&nbsp; <img alt="blog header" class="aligncenter wp-image-7392 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blog-header.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="427915"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=427915" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="facebookheader 2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7390" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/facebookheader-2.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427917&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="pin header 2" class="aligncenter wp-image-7507" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pin-header-2.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427920&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="twitter header" class="aligncenter wp-image-7387 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/twitter-header.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427921&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="bloglovin1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7391 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bloglovin1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427922&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="instagram1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7388 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/instagram1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427923&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="google+1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7389 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/google+1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427924&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="allother1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7393 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/allother1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=427926&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-2772732270375536322014-07-15T11:08:00.001-06:002014-07-15T11:08:56.139-06:00Craftsy "Knit Lab" Course Review<i>I recently became a Craftsy affiliate. While I received this course for free from Craftsy, my opinions are 100% my own. If you're a blogger interested in becoming an affiliate, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=29190&amp;SSAID=969452" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;This post contains affiliate links.</i><br /><br />When I became a <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=592444&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> affiliate, they gave me a free class! They have a ton of options, but I ultimately settled on <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=576768&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Knit Lab</a>. I had attempted to learn knitting a few years ago using an instructional book, but after knitting a few little swatches, I gave up. I had a hard time knowing when I was working my stitches correctly based on the illustrations in the book. This is where an online video class was most helpful!<br /><br /><i>Craftsy has a number of classes you can sign up for at no cost, even if you're not an affiliate. <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=560685&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Click here to see the free classes they offer.</a>&nbsp;I'm also taking <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=541566&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quiltmaking Skills</a>.</i><br /><br />I signed up for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=576768&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Knit Lab</a>, pulled out a skein of bulky yarn and my metal knitting needles and got to work.<br /><br />As soon as I watched the first lesson, I was hooked (no pun intended). <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=592444&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> classes provide great resources, so along with the video lessons, you also get printable class materials (knitting patterns), access to other students' questions and answers, and a place to share your projects. The instructor, Stefanie Japel, does a great job of explaining the different types of needles and yarns you can use in knitting. By lesson three, you're casting on!<br /><br />One important thing I realized as soon as I started knitting was that I needed to switch up my needles. I had purchased metal needles when I first tried to learn on my own, but Stefanie explains the difference between needle types. As soon as she said that wooden needles are slower, I knew that's what I needed. Metal needles are slippery and I kept dropping stitches inadvertently. Once I switched to wooden needles, that problem was solved! It was also helpful to learn to match up my needle gauge and yarn weight. I got some bamboo needles and some worsted weight yarn and I was knitting!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsuQflGoSU4/U8RkZ0dEk2I/AAAAAAAACKU/t72wYfzYgro/s1600/10446520_10204170706287252_6452328687649301784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsuQflGoSU4/U8RkZ0dEk2I/AAAAAAAACKU/t72wYfzYgro/s1600/10446520_10204170706287252_6452328687649301784_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />My favorite thing about <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=576768&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Knit Lab</a> is that instead of knitting little swatches, once you learn how to cast on, knit, and purl, you are working on your first project: a scarf!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6BVgSeWcLI/U8VeMWrJR2I/AAAAAAAACKg/61fdsMGtCM4/s1600/Finished+Scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6BVgSeWcLI/U8VeMWrJR2I/AAAAAAAACKg/61fdsMGtCM4/s1600/Finished+Scarf.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />By the end of Lesson 9, your scarf is finished, but the course isn't. You still have seven more lessons to learn increases, decreases, seed and basket weave, reading patterns, etc. You can watch any part of any lesson at any time, and they are organized so well that it's easy to quickly find what you're looking for.<br /><br />I've only completed through lesson 9, then I watched a section about the "slip-slip-knit" stitch so that I could start on another <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=493262&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">free pattern from Craftsy</a> -- the Winter Flame Scarf.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IenevXX2XDI/U8VfFJpW5yI/AAAAAAAACKo/5P0TssvrOS0/s1600/Scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IenevXX2XDI/U8VfFJpW5yI/AAAAAAAACKo/5P0TssvrOS0/s1600/Scarf+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's a very thorough class and is a great introduction to knitting. After more practice, I am looking forward to signing up for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=522612&amp;U=969452&amp;M=29190&amp;urllink=" target="_blank">Knit Lab: In the Round</a>.<br /><br />Have you taken any classes from Craftsy? I'd love to hear about your experience!Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-46806955349261805782014-07-13T15:30:00.000-06:002014-07-13T15:37:43.923-06:00Co-Hosting Social Media Mixer #7<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 7th&nbsp;week of the Social Media Mixer, a brand new social media link-up started when the Weekday Mixer and Social Media Sunday joined forces. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 6&nbsp;- we had 136 blogs and numerous social media link-ups!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6896" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" height="300" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday&nbsp;nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday&nbsp;night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts&nbsp;and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Welcome your hosts!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brittany" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7638" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Brittany.png" height="512" width="640" /> &nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Natasha from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Epic Mommy Adventures</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Angel from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Sew Crafty Angel</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Cathy from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Teresa from <a href="http://www.craftywife.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wife</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;Julia from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.minivandreams.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Minivan Dreams</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;|&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">Liz from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://lookbylizlewis.blogspot.com/" style="color: #beeded;" target="_blank">Look by Liz Lewis</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Kaitlyn from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://threesistersandus.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Three Sisters and Us</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Shana from <a href="http://www.technotini.com/" target="_blank">Technotini</a></span>&nbsp;| Anni from <a href="http://grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grapefruit Princess</a> | Tiffany from&nbsp;<a href="http://mrsteelovelifelaughter.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter</a> |&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Ce Ce from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.achimom.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Chicago Mom</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| </span>&nbsp;Jillian from <a href="http://www.babydoodah.com/" target="_blank">Baby Doodah</a> |&nbsp;Holly from <a href="http://southernmomloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Southern Mom Loves</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And welcome your guest hosts for July!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SMM Guests_062714" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7378" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SMM-Guests_062714.png" height="506" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bonnie from <a href="http://www.ladyblogger.net/" target="_blank">LadyBlogger</a> | Chelsea from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/thatssochelish.blogspot.com" target="_blank">That's So Chelish...</a> | Tara from <a href="http://www.myanythingandeverything.com/" target="_blank">Anything &amp; Everything</a> | Aysh from <a href="http://www.wordsnneedles.com/" target="_blank">Words n Needles</a> | Amanda from <a href="http://www.oldhousetonewhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Old House to New Home</a> | Krissy from <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Commodity</a> | Jen from <a href="http://www.twentieschic.com/" target="_blank">Twenties Chic</a> | Victoria from <a href="http://www.giveaways4mom.com/" target="_blank">Giveaways 4 Mom</a> | Maria from <a href="http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Nature Decor</a> | Breanna from <a href="https://www.brepurposed.com/" target="_blank">Brepurposed</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">Adventures with the Cronks</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photo" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7622" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo1.jpg" height="120" width="120" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventureswiththecronks.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/adventureswiththecronks" target="_blank">Facebook</a> |&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113435364927735553494/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Blonde Girl, Brown Dog</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="PROFILEPIC" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7623" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/PROFILEPIC-200x200.png" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi, my name is Randell. I'm a 19 year old college student, and I attend the University of Georgia. I love my puppy, my boyfriend, my family, crafting, and many other things that I'm sure will appear on here. Look around, stay awhile, and enjoy... xoxo"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blondegirlbrowndog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blondeandherdog" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/blondegirlbrowndog" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/randellscism/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12407657" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Spiced Palette Designs</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photo (1)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7624" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-11-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Welcome to my blog and I am Luanne your SewCute Hostess. I'm a mom to 2 beautiful boys,a wife and a Systems Engineer specializing in Microsoft SQL Server. This is my little space to share my projects, some sewing, baking, digital party printables and some paper crafts. I love to have you visit me here and don't be shy to leave me some comments ~ I love to read them!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://spicedpalettedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/106134064998840172270" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Kinder Keepsakes</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="8193727" class="alignnone wp-image-7626 size-medium" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/8193727-200x166.png" height="166" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi! I'm Aly Porter. I am a wife and a mother with three little girls and I run my own business. While my life can be crazy, it is all totally worth it! I love my work and I love being able to stay home with my kiddos at the same time! You just have to take it one day at a time and somehow it all works out!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img alt="9945725" class="alignnone wp-image-7625 size-medium" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/9945725-200x200.png" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi! I'm Jennifer Smith. I have two small kids that keep me running all day long. My heart is always with my family but I also love sharing my crafty crazy life with the rest of the world! I am a wife, a mom and a blogger. Let me tell you... I am enjoying every minute of it!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kinderkeepsakesblog.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kinderkeepsakes" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/kinderkeepsakes" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kinderkeepsakes/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kinderkeepsakes" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Kinderkeepsakes" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Some of the Best Things In Life Are Mistakes</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="amyaaron" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7628" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/amyaaron-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I am a 39 year old mom, middle school teacher and part time blogger. I was a teacher for 12 years and spent time off home with my children. This is my first school year back in three years."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SomeOfTheBestThingsInLifeAreMistakes?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/adelmanto/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>| <a href="https://plus.google.com/115982397299200769095/posts/p/pub" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4827003" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">The Kolb Corner</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="self" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7629" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/self.jpg" height="120" width="120" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"My husband and I met in 2006 while working together at the Home Depot. After I graduated from college in 2009, we moved from central Illinois to Chattanooga, TN on a whim. When people ask us why we ended up in Chattanooga, we don’t really have a good answer. We knew we wanted out of Illinois, and Chattanooga was beautiful. Why not? We were young and adventurous after all…"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/100641389917526479856/posts/" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thekolbcorner/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12445561" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="_MG_0859" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7630" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MG_0859-200x136.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Welcome! I am Shaunacey. Wife to Brent (aka Mr. B), first-time mom to Annabelle (aka mini-me) and mom to fur-child, Lilo. I work full-time, love to cook and bake (and eat), love to shop, like to (try) and be crafty and LOVE to laugh. &nbsp;Like everyone, I'm trying to find the perfect balance and I'm not there just yet. I want to be a great wife, mom, friend and employee and I want to look good doing it. That shouldn't be that hard, right?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://confessionsofafrumpymommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/shaunaceyb" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/shaunaceyh/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/shaunieriver/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/shaunaceybonneville" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofafrumpymommy?ref=hl&amp;ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Creative Pink Butterfly</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Trine-@-Creative-Pink-Butterfly-400x400" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7631" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trine-@-Creative-Pink-Butterfly-400x400-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Welcome to Creative Pink Butterfly! My name is Trine and I am the one behind the scenes of this blog. My lovely blog where I write about DIY Projects such as crafting and sewing. I love organizing and decorating as well as working in the kitchen making food and drinks. I also write about blogging tips – since I am a blogger I find a lot of interesting tips online and some I have to share with you! Occasionally I will let you in on some of the things that happen in my daily life."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://creativepinkbutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8224237/creative-pink-butterfly" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CreativePinkButterfly" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/trinebutterfly/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/trinelhansen/" target="_blank">Instagram&nbsp;</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Curly Crafty Mom</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="about me (1)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7632" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/about-me-1-136x200.png" height="200" width="136" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.curlycraftymom.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/curlycraftymom" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/curlycraftymom" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/curlycraftymom#" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://plus.google.com/104341094430656404629/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/curlycraftymom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.curlycraftymom.com/p/etsy" target="_blank">Etsy</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/5814971" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Mommy Summers</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="newwelcome2014" class="aligncenter wp-image-7633 " src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/newwelcome2014.png" height="356" width="151" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mommysummers.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommy-Summers/289407444435666?sk=timeline" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mommysummers" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://followgram.me/mommysummers" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/b/116262774976130302172/116262774976130302172/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/mommysummers/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4064439" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Annie's Noms</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="AboutMeImage" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7634" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/AboutMeImage-133x200.png" height="200" width="133" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi, I’m Annie and I’m the writer and photographer behind Annie’s Noms!&nbsp;I love baking, recipe developing, reading and motorsport. If I’m not reading, I’m baking or photographing new recipes to share with you! I’m hoping that blogging my culinary adventures will act as some sort of therapy for me. I have an eating disorder. I’ve only recently admitted it to myself, although my family and friends had already guessed. I’m grateful for the fact none of my family pressured me, they let me come to terms with it myself."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anniesnoms.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/anniesnoms" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/_MissAnnie_" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/missannie2012" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/anniesnomsblog" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+AnnieStanding" target="_blank">Google +</a> | <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/anniesnomsblog" target="_blank">StumbleUpon</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/10434273" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">The Wetherwills Say I Do</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="about-01" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7635" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/about-01-200x200.png" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Welcome to my little piece of the internet. My name is Madison, sometimes my friends call me Mad, which I actually love. I married my perfect man on July 20, 2012. We started out doing the whole long distance thing which included dating across continents, a few times. Long distance was one of the hardest things I've ever done but I can't express enough how great it was for our relationship."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wetherillssayido.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/wetherillssayido" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/madisonlynn35" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/madisonlynn35" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/madisonlynn35" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11733007" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">A Mind "Full" Mom</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_3281-300x225" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7636" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_3281-300x225-200x150.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi, I am Kristen, a wife, daughter, friend and mom. I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful children and reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a passion for healthy and intentional living and want to share that with others. &nbsp;This website is designed for me to share my journey with you on striving to be “mindful” as a mother, wife, and person through tips I have learned through other incredibly talented people and through my own trial and error."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amindfullmom.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amindfullmom" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://plus.google.com/101143399828153489262" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/amindfullmom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/amindfullmom" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Chocolate with Grace</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0008_7-300x300" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7637" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_0008_7-300x300-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi, I’m Mallory and I love to cook, bake, take pictures and spend time with my husband and family. During the day, I am an accountant, but in my spare time I love to create things in my kitchen and share them with others. I grew up on a farm in Ohio and moved to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania when I married my husband. This blog allows me to share my recipes with friends and family that live far away and gives me a creative outlet after a day in the office. Outside of work and the kitchen, I enjoy exploring the area with my husband, traveling to new places, visiting old friends and making new ones. Thanks for visiting."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chocolatewithgrace.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/chocolatewgrace/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chocolatewithgrace?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/117057714575377331578/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ChocolatewGrace" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/chocolatewithgrace" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!</div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" title="Social Media Mixer" /></div><pre style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;">&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/category/blog-hops/social-media-mixer/" title="Social Media Mixer" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" alt="Social Media Mixer" style="border:none;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</pre><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Are you ready to start mixing it up?? Then, let's go!</h2><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure to add the button below to your sidebar to invite even more people to join the fun!</div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" /></div><pre style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;">&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</pre>&nbsp; <img alt="blog header" class="aligncenter wp-image-7392 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blog-header.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="425629"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=425629" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="facebookheader 2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7390" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/facebookheader-2.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425630&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="pin header 2" class="aligncenter wp-image-7507" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pin-header-2.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425632&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="twitter header" class="aligncenter wp-image-7387 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/twitter-header.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425634&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="bloglovin1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7391 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bloglovin1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425635&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="instagram1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7388 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/instagram1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425636&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="google+1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7389 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/google+1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425638&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> <img alt="allother1" class="aligncenter wp-image-7393 size-full" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/allother1.png" height="75" width="700" /> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=425639&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-28231092035788710052014-07-10T07:00:00.000-06:002014-07-10T07:00:09.252-06:00Finished! 4-Patch Slice Baby QuiltI've finally finished the baby quilt that I gave you all a glimpse of at the end of May&nbsp;<a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-im-working-on-wednesday-baby-quilts.html" target="_blank">in this post</a>. This is a 4-Patch Slice Quilt that I made using <a href="http://www.inspiringcreationsblog.com/2013/11/4-patch-slice-free-quilt-pattern-and.html" target="_blank">these instructions</a> from Inspiring Creations. This is a beautiful quilt pattern that can be used to arrange your blocks into a chevron or lattice pattern. I elected to do the lattice version.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd8qWLnK1oA/U7wbuyu3poI/AAAAAAAACJs/fp9bbWsa5aQ/s1600/1+Ballerina+Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd8qWLnK1oA/U7wbuyu3poI/AAAAAAAACJs/fp9bbWsa5aQ/s1600/1+Ballerina+Fabric.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I found my inspiration for this quilt from baby Cecilia's nursery decor -- vintage ballet. I fell in love with this white &amp; light blue ballerina fabric and decided to build the quilt off of it. I ultimately used 4 additional prints -- pink paisley, green herringbone, blue polka dot, and green stripes. My goal was to take the vintage ballerina motif and make it fun and modern while still keeping it feminine.<br /><br />I used a multi-colored stripe for the back of the quilt to help tie in the purple of the borders and binding. It took a lot of fabric store browsing before I found a stripe that had all the colors I needed in it, but the one I found works perfectly!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p336Z8rzNuA/U7wbuUtChLI/AAAAAAAACJk/oehZ8NzixVc/s1600/2+Front+&amp;+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p336Z8rzNuA/U7wbuUtChLI/AAAAAAAACJk/oehZ8NzixVc/s1600/2+Front+&amp;+Back.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After piecing the quilt top, I added an appliqué. There may be a better method out there, but here is how I generally do my appliqué:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Determine what size you want the appliqué to be. I will usually lay out my piece and then use a ruler to determine the scale that the appliqué should be. Sometimes I will print out multiple sizes of my appliqué pattern to see which looks best on the piece.</li><li>Find a font you like. I like to use a simple script font or a chunky block font. Script fonts are good because you can attach multiple letters at once (like the "ec," "il," and "ia" in the photo). You don't want to try to attach an entire word all at once because the letters may start to peel before you finish sewing them all.</li><li>Print out your word in your font in black! Use a light box or a window to trace your appliqué pattern onto some Wonder Under. You will trace it backwards onto the paper side of your interfacing. This way, when you iron it onto your appliqué fabric, the appliqué will end up facing the right direction.</li><li>Fuse your Wonder Under to your appliqué fabric. For this appliqué, I used some of my pink paisley fabric. The font was narrow enough that the pattern on the fabric is not very visible, so I could've just as easily used a solid color. The wider your letters, the more of the fabric will show.</li><li>Cut out your pattern on your appliqué fabric. At this point, you should have your fabric fused to your Wonder Under with the pattern drawn on the paper. Cut carefully, especially if you're using narrow or small pieces. The fabric can still unravel around the edges even when it's fused.</li><li>Place one section of appliqué on your piece at a time, ironing it in place. Then stitch around it. I like to use a tiny zigzag stitch to make sure I'm catching all the edges.</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKdU2NKTqes/U7wbuv3bDhI/AAAAAAAACJo/yzrrGdKRIa0/s1600/3+Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKdU2NKTqes/U7wbuv3bDhI/AAAAAAAACJo/yzrrGdKRIa0/s1600/3+Pattern.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once your appliqué is finished, add the borders onto your quilt. Then you can make your quilt sandwich, quilt it as you like, and bind it. Since I am self-taught and not terribly experienced and have a hard time sewing straight, I have found that the less quilting I do, the better it turns out. I simply use straight line quilting and follow the lines on my quilt top, so in this case, the quilting followed the lattice pattern.Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-90483659851246691442014-07-08T10:30:00.000-06:002014-07-08T10:46:48.068-06:005 Ideas for Living on a Budget (Without a Budget)My hubby and I have a hard time adhering to a written budget. I admit, I am probably mostly to blame. I find myself rebelling against structure every chance I get. This lack of a budget doesn’t mean we don’t live within our means, though. And since I assume (and hope) that I am not the only person who struggles with sticking with a written budget, I thought I’d share 5 ways we live within a budget without a budget.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edF4QttO-OM/U7s1CunMdGI/AAAAAAAACJY/lkM2GaxQO8k/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edF4QttO-OM/U7s1CunMdGI/AAAAAAAACJY/lkM2GaxQO8k/s1600/Title.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>1. Wear it out.</b><br /><br />I’m sure we’ve all heard the old saying, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Purposefully or not, Dave and I seem to live by this adage. &nbsp;We both have a hard time spending money on newer versions of things we already have that are still functional.<br /><br />For example: Our washing machine was inherited from Dave’s grandparents. At the time we got it, we estimate that it was approximately 10 years old. That was 9 years ago. The dryer had to be replaced several years ago, but that old washing machine is still kicking (quite literally — it is very noisy). Yes, it would be nice to have a new one that runs quietly and efficiently. It would be nice if I didn’t have to pile things on top of it to keep it in one place during the spin cycle. But since it keeps our clothes clean, we haven’t replaced it yet.<br /><br />I feel that this one also applies to buying clothes (when necessary and not on impulse), shoes (nobody really <i>needs</i> 10+ pairs of shoes for 1 pair of feet), salon services, toys, electronics, etc.<br /><br /><b>2. Figure it out.</b><br /><br />There are many things that you can learn to do yourself instead of paying someone else to do it.<br /><br />For example: Since our first year of marriage, I have been cutting Dave’s hair (and now Eddie’s too). At the time when I started, we were in college and Dave was used to getting beauty school cuts for $2, so he had low expectations. We bought some clippers and I learned how to do it. When I consider that we’ve spent maybe $50 in the last 10 years on his hair cuts when we could’ve been spending $10+ every month, this one is definitely worth it.<br /><br />This could apply to other things as well, like basic repairs &amp; home improvement projects, hair dye, home decor, basic car maintenance, etc. Of course, some things require an expert, but whenever possible, it’s always great to have the option of saving money by doing it yourself.<br /><br /><b>3. Pay attention.</b><br /><br />In order to make our budget-less budget work, we have to pay attention to our accounts by checking them regularly. This is a good habit to have anyway, so that you’ll catch any anomalies. I check our bank accounts at least weekly to make sure we have enough in our checking account, to make sure things have gone through, and to make sure we’re not overspending. Every few months, we track our expenses for a month so that we can see where we could cut back.<br /><br />It also pays to pay attention to bills that vary month to month, like gas or electricity. Yes, during July, you’re going to use more power for your air conditioner. And during January, you’ll be using more gas for heat. Being aware of that, and how much it is costing you, can help you know when to cut back and change your thermostat a degree or two.<br /><br />And lastly, pay attention to prices on things you regularly buy. It really pays off to know what a good price is for things you buy and notice when the prices go up or down. Whenever feasible, we do price-matching on groceries at Wal-Mart. Or we plan our menus around what is on sale. I like to take notice of gas prices at every station along my normal routes so that when I need gas, I know where to get the best price. I get quotes and check rates every year on our auto and home insurance.<br /><br /><b>4. Look for deals.</b><br /><br />Figure out where you can get good deals in your area. Regularly check discount sites for deals on things you usually pay for anyway.<br /><br />I love to eat out. That is not a good thing when you’re trying to save money. So before we go out, we scour all the deal sites to find coupons and vouchers. When there’s a fun place you want to take the kids, watch for good deals, Groupons, etc. We do our best not to pay full price for things we don’t really need. And sometimes, you can save money just by asking for a deal. When I recently set out to switch car insurance companies so I could get a lower premium, I called my current company and they offered me better coverage and a lower price.<br /><br />This also applies to buying things used rather than new. If there is a big ticket item you’re looking to buy, shop around and check for refurbished or used versions. And be flexible. When our son needed a bigger bike, we happened upon one at Savers for $10. It wasn’t a planned purchase, but was a great price for something we probably would’ve been buying soon anyway. The same thing happened when our daughter was ready to move to a twin size bed. We’d been thinking of getting her one, but hadn’t made any decisions, when we happened upon a bed frame and box spring at a yard sale. We ultimately got her entire bed for $35.<br /><br /><b>5. Don’t be fair.</b><br /><br />One thing I feel that has helped our marriage (and our finances) be successful is to stop worrying about fairness. When you’re always trying to make sure that everyone is getting “their fair share,” you can end up spending a lot of money on things you don’t need. We don’t separate out our money (because let’s face it, I wouldn’t have any) and we don’t keep score. If Dave needs a new pair of pants, he can get a new pair of pants. I don’t feel like I also deserve to get some too. Or if I go to lunch with a friend, Dave doesn’t feel like he needs to go out without me to make sure we’re even. I think that our marriage is a partnership and as long as we each make sure we’re not taking too much for ourselves, there is generally enough for everyone.<br /><br />This can also apply really well with kids. There are a lot of times when one kid needs something and the other doesn’t, so they go without. That’s life and I think it’s an important lesson for kids to learn early on. If your oldest kid needs a new pair of shoes, that doesn’t mean that everyone has to get a new pair of shoes.<br /><br />----<br /><br />I can understand the appeal of living within a budget, but we have been unable to make a written budget work for us. Luckily, we have used these ideas and others to still live within our means. I would love to hear your money saving ideas as well, so please comment!Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-80524631421057980242014-07-07T01:00:00.000-06:002014-07-07T01:00:10.420-06:00Guest Posting on A Peek Into My Paradise!<div style="text-align: center;">Still wondering what this piping was for?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I94-RgNIdhE/U6iice4vJ2I/AAAAAAAACGY/ci3acb5DRfs/s1600/4+Baste+Piping+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I94-RgNIdhE/U6iice4vJ2I/AAAAAAAACGY/ci3acb5DRfs/s1600/4+Baste+Piping+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, your days of anticipation are over. Today I'm honored to be guest posting over at A Peek Into My Paradise. <a href="http://wp.me/p466oG-1ws" target="_blank">Click here to see the post!</a></div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-26587090676853112842014-07-05T18:00:00.000-06:002014-07-05T18:00:03.535-06:00Co-Hosting Social Media Mixer #5<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 6th&nbsp;week of the Social Media Mixer, a brand new social media link-up started when the Weekday Mixer and Social Media Sunday joined forces. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 5&nbsp;- we had 138&nbsp;blogs and numerous social media link-ups!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6896" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" height="300" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday&nbsp;nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday&nbsp;night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts&nbsp;and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Welcome your hosts!</h2><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; <img alt="Untitled design (18)" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7395" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Untitled-design-18.png" height="512" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Natasha from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Epic Mommy Adventures</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Angel from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Sew Crafty Angel</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Cathy from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Peek Into My Paradise</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Teresa from <a href="http://www.craftywife.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Wife</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;Julia from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.minivandreams.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Minivan Dreams</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;|&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">Liz from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://lookbylizlewis.blogspot.com/" style="color: #beeded;" target="_blank">Look by Liz Lewis</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Kaitlyn from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://threesistersandus.blogspot.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">Three Sisters and Us</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| Shana from <a href="http://www.technotini.com/" target="_blank">Technotini</a></span>&nbsp;| Anni from <a href="http://grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grapefruit Princess</a> | Tiffany from&nbsp;<a href="http://mrsteelovelifelaughter.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter</a> |&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Ce Ce from&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.achimom.com/" style="color: #33a8a4;" target="_blank">A Chicago Mom</a><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;| </span>&nbsp;Jillian from <a href="http://www.babydoodah.com/" target="_blank">Baby Doodah</a> | Brittany from <a href="http://brittanybullen.com/" target="_blank">BrittanyBullen.com</a>&nbsp;| Holly from <a href="http://southernmomloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Southern Mom Loves</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And welcome your guest hosts for July!</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SMM Guests_062714" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7378" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SMM-Guests_062714.png" height="506" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bonnie from <a href="http://www.ladyblogger.net/" target="_blank">LadyBlogger</a> | Chelsea from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/thatssochelish.blogspot.com" target="_blank">That's So Chelish...</a> | Tara from <a href="http://www.myanythingandeverything.com/" target="_blank">Anything &amp; Everything</a> | Aysh from <a href="http://www.wordsnneedles.com/" target="_blank">Words n Needles</a> | Amanda from <a href="http://www.oldhousetonewhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Old House to New Home</a> | Krissy from <a href="http://hotcommodityhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hot Commodity</a> | Jen from <a href="http://www.twentieschic.com/" target="_blank">Twenties Chic</a> | Victoria from <a href="http://www.giveaways4mom.com/" target="_blank">Giveaways 4 Mom</a> | Maria from <a href="http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Nature Decor</a> | Breanna from <a href="https://www.brepurposed.com/" target="_blank">Brepurposed</a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">Little Blue House</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photo" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7497" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Living the life of all things caffeine, little girls, and glitter!!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://304bluehouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/304littlebluehouse" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/304bluehouse/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jdillonfuller" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="http://instagram.com/jjdillonfuller" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JennFuller304littlebluehouse/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><h5 style="text-align: center;"></h5><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Voguish Mommy</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ilva15" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7499" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ilva15.png" height="125" width="125" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"This website was created in hopes to inspire moms to get great advice on parenting, read up on some delicious recipes and catch up on some amazing fashion trends. Now, I’m not saying I’m an expert in any of these areas. But I do hope that this site comes as some kind of entertainment to those of you out there that need that 5 minutes of ‘me’ time while your little one is snoozing!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.voguishmommy.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/voguishmommy" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/voguishmommy" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/voguishmommy1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/voguishmommy1" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.google.com/110743615861510041261" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Making More...</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="1389321027" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7500" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/1389321027-500x125.png" height="125" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;"Hello and welcome to Making More! &nbsp;I started this blog because I love to talk about food and cooking! I am especially interested in showing that healthy eating doesn't have to be "too expensive". I don't know anyone who has as much time as they would like to have or a limitless budget. My patients frequently tell me that it is too expensive to eat in a healthy way, but I disagree completely! I really enjoy showing them that it doesn't have to be that way."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.making-more.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://pinterest.com/makingmore" target="_blank">Pinterest&nbsp;</a>|&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/Making_More" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://plus.google.com/u/0/114677699821851492000/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">My Salt, His Light</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="me3" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7501" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/me3.jpg" height="300" width="225" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I’m a Wife and Mother of a blended family, a full-time Marketing &amp; PR executive, public speaker, Sunday School teacher, aspiring entrepreneur, Paleo eater, natural hair lover, Bible believing, Holy Ghost filled, modern-day Christian woman. I’m usually a very private person, however after wrestling with the idea for a while, I have decided to take a step out into the blogosphere to document and share my thoughts, experiences and life lessons I’ve learned along the way. &nbsp;<em style="color: #666666;"><strong style="font-style: inherit;">My Salt, His Light&nbsp;</strong></em><span style="color: #666666;">chronicles my steps as I seek a closer relationship with&nbsp;my loving Savior Jesus Christ, and grow into the best “ME” I can be."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mysalthislight.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MySaltHisLight" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tmcclary8710/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MySaltHisLight" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">This Is Motherhood</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="snow-family-2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7502" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/snow-family-2.jpg" height="225" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"This Is Motherhood is a blog dedicated to making parenting fun again. I hope you’ll stick around to enjoy all the stories, recipes, crafts, pictures, and unsolicited advice! My name is Bea. I live in the middle of nowhere in Vermont with my husband and our two year old son, Wolfy. We inhabit fifteen acres and a falling-down farmhouse that we remodeled ourselves."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thisismotherhoodblog.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12206369" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thisismotherhood" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/thisismamahood" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Simply Bubbly</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mechampagneabout-me-100x150" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7503" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mechampagneabout-me-100x150.jpg" height="150" width="100" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hello! My name is Denise, and I am a California born transplant, NYC-obsessed, Social Event Planner. I have a lovely 3 year old daughter who loves to pretend she is a bird, and a boyfriend that I met at the diviest bar in the entire city (How I ended up there, now that’s a good story). I run a young professional woman’s organization called Scene Stealers NYC, as well as a variety of meetup groups. I have been About me sectonblogging for about a year now, and I am in the process of starting a company. I have been known to wear dresses in 32 degree weather, channel Martha Stewart every now and then, and can generate songs that rhyme for everyday, mundane things for my daughter’s pleasure. I am the official Diet Guinea Pig, have an affinity for making lists, and would be set if I had a Champagne dispenser in my kitchen. If I’m not perched in front of this computer, you can find me eating outside at a boozy brunch, taking this city by storm in any way my mood drives me, figuring out new ways to balance out this crazy life, all while trying my darnedest to live my best life ever!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplybubbly.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HauteHealthyHappy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gr8chic143" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gr8chic143/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Katherine's Corner</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Katherine-Corrigan-Nov-2012-Katherines-Corner-222x300" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7505" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Katherine-Corrigan-Nov-2012-Katherines-Corner-222x300.jpg" height="300" width="222" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hello and Welcome, I’m so happy you are here at Katherines Corner ( formerly known as Go Ask Katie). I’m Katherine (some call me Katie) and I am honored by your visit to my blog and your interest in learning more about me."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://katherinescorner.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/goaskkatie" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherines-Corner/164864345682" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/104652769072869748426/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3391399" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/katherinesgifts" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinescorner" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">How Do The Jones Do It?</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="cropped-iStock_000025749803Medium1" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7506" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cropped-iStock_000025749803Medium1-500x95.jpg" height="95" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I am a forty-ish mom of two awesome kids that is striving to live a life of balance physically, spiritually, mentally, financially, and in the most organized manner I can! &nbsp;I’m constantly looking for ways to learn and grow. I love to try new things and see what sticks. I hope to explore with you!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.howdothejonesdoit.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/howdothejonesdoit" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/howdothejonesdo/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/howdothejonesdo" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Home Is Where The Heart Is</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="julie (1)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7512" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/julie-1-133x200.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Home Is Where The Heart Is is my personal blog on news and tips on many topics in every day life in the home. My two toddlers keep me busy. When I’m not also cooking, cleaning, or working, I love to take some me time and write. You can find me writing about kids, health, fashion, my favorite recipes, ways to make your home better, and so much more."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heartloveshome.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeIsWhereIBelong" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliedmartin/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jewels0588" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Mommy Life After PhD</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="bigaboutme" class="aligncenter wp-image-7518 size-medium" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bigaboutme-118x200.png" height="200" width="118" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"My name is Jennifer and I'm a work-at-home mom to four beautiful kids with my darling husband. &nbsp;After earning my Ph.D. in Mass Communication, we decided it would be best if I worked from home to meet the needs of our family--and also because daycare costs are astronomical! &nbsp;But you know what? Staying home with the Crazies gives me the opportunity to share (i.e. vent about) our life with you on this little BLOG! &nbsp;It's a dash of mommy life with a splash of kiddie stuff bubbling away in a big pot of humor and sarcasm."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mommylifeafterphd.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mommylifeafterphd" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/mommylifeafterphd" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mommylifeaftphd" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/MLAPHD/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101236013980868989013/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11299531" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Displaced Yinzer</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="JocelynMcG-236x300" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7519" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/JocelynMcG-236x300-157x200.jpg" height="200" width="157" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"&nbsp;Jocelyn is a Displaced Yinzer moving from Pittsburgh to Central Florida in 2012. Currently exploring all that Florida has to offer, she shares new things her family finds to see and do in their new location. She writes about family, products, gardening, moving away from home, and so much more.&nbsp;Join Jocelyn on her journey!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.displacedyinzer.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/displacedyinzer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DisplacedYinzer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/displacedyinzer/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+JocelynMcGaffic/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/displacedyinzer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Ramblings of a Marine Wife</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kara" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7520" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Kara-135x200.png" height="200" width="135" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hi there, I'm Kara. 30ish. Mom to 2. MBA holder. Lover of coupons, sweepstakes, and freebies. &nbsp;Small town girl at heart."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://moreramblingsofamarinewife.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ramblings-of-a-Marine-Wife/174427019253303" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://followgram.me/rofamw" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rofamw" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RofaMW" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Meet The B's</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="portrait round 500" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7521" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/portrait-round-500-200x200.png" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"That's B for Brzuchalski! We're newlyweds who just bought our first home! She's a nurse. He's a financial analyst. We have two cats, only they act like dogs. We're both a little strange, and we like it that way. She's obsessed with all things DIY/decor/home, and he's levelheaded enough to keep her on track. Follow us as we work together to create our dream home."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.meetthebs.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nicolebrzu/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11582281/meet-the-bs" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/109135084936284507466?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/meetthebs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/meetthebs" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">A Town Girl's Life</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="DSC_0937_zps893b35fe" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7523" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0937_zps893b35fe.jpg" height="369" width="240" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hello friends, I am Sarah. I am 20 something married to my best friend and expecting. This is a bit about me.... photographer, food crazy, horse lover, crocheter, hair braider, artist (armature), pin addict, blog doer, vintage lover, saved sinner. : )"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://atowngirlslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/atowngirlslife" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrsbsarah/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/thetowngirl" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/99157233@N04/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/9907659" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">The Mommy Mix</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photo (1)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7524" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-1-200x200.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I started The Mommy Mix in February of 2013, on my maternity leave with my second child, just as a means to escape, not in a physical sense of course. I felt that I needed somewhere I could rave or rant about the things I loved and cherished most in my life - my family, hopes, dreams, fears. Since than I have started to write reviews on products that as a family we love and from time to time have even hosted some giveaways."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://themommymix.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mommy-Mix/227383380720226" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/TheMommyMix" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/118270874257641123129/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/TheMommyMix/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Life's Little Projects</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7525" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/PICT0056-300x200-200x133.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"My name is Amie Jo. &nbsp;I married the man I’ve loved since I was 17. &nbsp;I am a mother to 2 remarkable children. &nbsp;I am a former teacher turned stay at home mom, and loving it, even when I am not. &nbsp;I am so glad you are here."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lifeslittleprojects.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Making-Memories-with-Kids/572006049556359" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Momfever</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="imgres" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7526" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/imgres-195x200.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Welcome to Momfever! &nbsp;Welcome to my humble abode! Pull up a seat and have a read. I'm a mom of five kids and wife to one husband. On Momfever I write about everything that interests me, and that's a lot."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.momfever.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/momfever" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/momfever" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/b/109777849623559339731/+Momfever" target="_blank">Google+</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!</div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Social Media Mixer" src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" title="Social Media Mixer" /></div><pre style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;">&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/category/blog-hops/social-media-mixer/" title="Social Media Mixer" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" alt="Social Media Mixer" style="border:none;" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</pre><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Are you ready to start mixing it up?? 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In honor of the day, I spent a little while yesterday working up his chalk sign:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9w2wvM80B4/U7QUWtXpIGI/AAAAAAAACI4/1MD0xYx6RbA/s1600/Eddie+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9w2wvM80B4/U7QUWtXpIGI/AAAAAAAACI4/1MD0xYx6RbA/s1600/Eddie+Collage.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div><br />On his first day, I was just winging it, but yesterday I had some time of my hands. So I decided to figure out how to do some fancier lettering. With the help of <a href="http://www.myvintagewindow.com/2013/04/how-i-letter-in-chalk-imperfect-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial from My Vintage Window</a>, I was able to lay out my text. Then I found fonts I liked on <a href="http://dafont.com/" target="_blank">dafont</a>&nbsp;and free-handed it! I think it turned out really well, but it's definitely not perfect.<br /><br />Do you have any fun traditions for your kids' first/last days of school? I'd love to hear about them!Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937269821816710114.post-32584540445131460812014-06-29T15:29:00.003-06:002014-06-30T10:03:10.544-06:00Summertime SimmerAs you probably know by now, we are trying to sell our house. This has been going on for a solid 6 months and is beginning to wear on us. We are experiencing a strange enigma of having 3-4 showings every week for 6 months with no offers to speak of.<br /><br />A few days ago, we had someone coming for a second showing, which always gets my hopes up a little bit. But I feel a little better because I don't think the lack of offers is a result of anything I have neglected to do. This time, I even set out to deliciously scent my entire house. Here's how I did it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkrdJaaIhas/U7CEnD6FhcI/AAAAAAAACIk/zqy5gO0hYbw/s1600/Lime+Simmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkrdJaaIhas/U7CEnD6FhcI/AAAAAAAACIk/zqy5gO0hYbw/s1600/Lime+Simmer.jpg" height="166" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>1 lime, cut in half</li><li>Juice from the above lime</li><li>1 cup water</li><li>3 mint leaves</li><li>1 tsp vanilla</li></ul><div>Combine all these ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for as long as you want! Replenish the water as it gets low.</div><div><br /></div><div>I simmered mine for about 2 hours before I felt compelled to clean up the kitchen. We left for the evening and returned about 4.5 hours after I had stopped the simmer. The house still smelled lovely and fresh!<br /><br />{Linked on <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/merry-monday-linky-party-9/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a>, <a href="http://www.huckleberrylove.com/2014/06/much-ado-about-monday-no-66.html" target="_blank">Huckleberry Love</a>, <a href="http://carriethishome.com/2014/06/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-82/" target="_blank">Carrie This Home</a>, <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/10-summer-decor-ideas-monday-funday/" target="_blank">Uncommon Designs</a>, <a href="http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2014/06/calling-all-crafters-2014-24th-edition.html" target="_blank">All Things Fee</a>, <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2014/06/inspiration-monday-maison-blanche.html" target="_blank">I Should Be Mopping</a>}</div>Krissy Bartonhttps://plus.google.com/104719539092526521325noreply@blogger.com4